Final LTP March 2006

Strategy development is an ongoing process, responding to changes and opportunities that present themselves.  We have undertaken a rigorous analysis of the problems we face, and the consequences of not tackling them, to develop a strategy that makes best use of the resources available.  We have looked at both the short term and longer term, recognising that the shape of our approach in the long term will be determined by the outcomes of major studies underway and our work on demand management through the Transport Innovation Fund  Figure 1 ‘Strategy Development Process’ illustrates the strategy development process.

As the regeneration of Birmingham City Centre demonstrated, there is a need to consider new ways of tackling problems, and how to break out of existing patterns of development to achieve our vision.  So in addition to working within the framework set by the RSS and RES, we have looked to new approaches to achieving our long term goals.

In parallel with the preparation of the LTP three major pieces of work are underway.   Together they cover the whole of the Metropolitan Area and there is a challenge, not just for the LTP2, to integrate them into a cohesive approach for the Area.

(1)  Coventry / Solihull / Warwickshire Study

This covers the south east of the Metropolitan Area and the surrounding shire county.  It seeks to consider the scale and location of future development and relationships with the Milton Keynes growth area.  The technical report has been published and the local authorities are considering how to respond.

(2)  Black Country Study

This significant sub regional study is considering ways in which the Black Country can be revitalised to face the challenges of the coming years in the face of significant economic restructuring.  It seeks to transform the quality of life in the Black Country through a comprehensive and integrated programme to tackle all aspects of urban living - including training, skills, environment, housing and communications.  Developing a transport system for this complex area of major centres and interconnected communities is one of the key  challenges faced and there is no doubt that significant new proposals will emerge as this study progresses.

(3)  City Region Development Plan (CRDP)

In response to a number of challenges,  work on developing a city region development plan is underway.  Underpinning this is the work undertaken by Professor Parkinson on behalf of the Core Cities Network.  It has demonstrated that at the heart of every successful European region is a strong city region acting as the economic engine.  This, coupled with the national need to redirect growth away from the south east to stop overheating means the CRDP will be an outward looking growth plan.  Essential to the realisation of the growth plans will be the development of the major regional 'Gateways' at Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham New Street Station plus a transport system that caters for increased movement of people and goods through and within the Area.  A first draft of the CRDP is being prepared for February 2006, but this is too late for the details to be reflected in this LTP2.

Transport Innovation Fund (TIF)

Looking to the future, our successful TIF bid to investigate, in detail, different approaches to demand management will  determine the way we approach the problem of dealing with the increased demands on the transport system. This is particularly important in the light of the proposals that will flow from the studies described above.  Demand management must be seen as a tool to help deliver our aspirations and as part of a comprehensive package of measures,  that includes improvements to the quality and quantum of the transport system.

Long Term Strategy

The long term strategy will be determined by the outputs of the above studies within the framework of key regional strategies.  At this stage, it is not possible to be precise about the long term (critical pieces of work are still underway) other than to recognise that we will need to successfully tackle congestion to support future growth ambitions and the delivery of the Regional Spatial, Economic and Housing Strategies.  Undoubtedly, at the heart of the long term strategy that emerges will be an aspiration to enhance the quality of life experienced in the Area.  Central to this will be a desire to ensure the transport system we have contributes to this.  On an operational side this will mean providing for the trips generated in a sustainable way.  In terms of the quality of the built environment it means that transport infrastructure should not dominate or dis-benefit communities.

Short Term Strategy

The strategy set out in this LTP2 moves us in the direction of reducing congestion, improving air quality, accessibility and road safety and supporting regeneration.  It provides the framework for the programme of initiatives we will pursue during the LTP2 period of 2006-11.  The modelling undertaken demonstrates the improvements that could be delivered by this package (set out in Chapter ‘Performance Management ’).

The remainder of this chapter details the  process of developing the LTP2 strategy.  It should be noted that this has taken place within the framework of the emerging ideas from the three studies above as well as existing strategies.