Final LTP March 2006

Our LTP2 sets out the travel and transport issues for what is the largest conurbation outside London and an area which is a major contributor to the national economy.

Following the first round of LTPs, the Government commissioned a number of multi-modal studies covering strategic areas or corridors around the country.  One was the West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study (WMAMMS) and its findings and recommendations were published in 2002.  A similar local study, the Coventry Area Network Study (CANS) was undertaken at the same time.  The main finding of these studies was that our first LTP provided a sound framework for the future, but that more needed to be done on a faster timescale.

We responded by submitting a second LTP in July 2003.  It included new targets and an enhanced programme of schemes for delivery between 2004/05 and 2010/11.  This 2003 LTP was based on:

• extensive external consultation
• a review of the first LTP and comments received from Government and others
• our Annual Progress Reports in 2001, 2002 and 2003
• a twenty-year public transport strategy ‘Network West Midlands', which set out a vision for a high quality network of services

• the thirty-year vision set out in WMAMMS and and similar aspirations of CANS
• the need for urban renaissance promoted by Regional Planning Guidance
• recognition of the need for a large increase in resources to achieve our Area's goals
• a seven-year programme of projects

In developing the 2003 LTP, we devoted significant effort to the widest possible consultation across the Metropolitan Area and within individual Districts, building on the previous consultation under WMAMMS and CANS.  We held public forums in a number of locations and held discussions with special interest groups.  Key partners included:

• the Highways Agency, which maintains and operates motorways and trunk roads
• bus, Metro and rail operators, including Travel West Midlands, Virgin Trains and Central Trains
• private operators responsible for freight management, coach and taxi services
• Birmingham International Airport
• the Police, who are responsible for enforcing most traffic regulations

The submission of our 2003 LTP led to a new engagement process with senior officials at the Department for Transport (DfT), intended to assist preparation of our LTP2.  This process has now been rolled out by DfT to all LTP authorities.  It allows a better understanding of the Government's aims and objectives and ensures that important issues are shared with DfT.

As part of the Government's response to WMAMMS, up to £1 billion was pledged to the West Midlands Metropolitan Area for Major Schemes, subject to Schemes being based on a sound transport strategy that promoted public transport, dealt with congestion and supported sustainable regeneration.  The Government stated that the £1 billion could be used to fund:

• two new Metro lines
• a Bus Super Showcase Network
• a Red Routes network - the first outside London
• a strategic Park & Ride network
• enhanced walking and cycling facilities

We are fortunate to have this £1 billion pledge, but it does not equate to levels of future spending recommended by WMAMMS.  So whilst the direction of the 2003 LTP remains unchanged, our LTP2 programme has been influenced by the engagement process and amended to balance local, regional and national priorities.  The planned new programme:

• retains 'pump-priming' contributions to Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Coventry station improvements
• supports regeneration initiatives
• supports improvements to help buses
• removes schemes linked to the Western Bypasses, which were rejected by DfT
• significantly reduces Metro expenditure
• supports network efficiency improvements through Red Routes and Urban Traffic Control improvements