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Targets Background

The following targets, described in section Target Justification and Trajectories reflect the need to base performance on a programme of Integrated Transport Block and Maintenance schemes in line with the Planning Guidelines, plus any Major Schemes previously approved. Thus, they do not include the contribution of future Major Schemes that will be submitted in July 2005 and in future years during the LTP2 period.

This means that some key aims of this LTP2, such as no increase in congestion and raising the level of bus patronage, which rely on Major Schemes forming part of the up to £1 billion capital programme, will not be wholly reflected in the following targets.

The targets and indicators in both the 2000 and 2003 LTPs have now been thoroughly reviewed and revised in line with DfT Guidance.

In accordance with Government Guidance [1] we have reduced the number of targets from 44 to 25 in order to focus on mandatory targets (plus a target on light rail use, as ‘encouraged’ by DfT [2]) and targets specifically requested through Regional Planning Guidance. We will also focus on four other issues, identified through consultation and linked to wider local policies, that are fundamental to our LTP Objectives. These are:

Progress will be monitored by reference to a ‘basket’ of indicators for each target. In line with the Guidance, we have sought to focus on the most relevant indicators but, given the size and complexity of our Area, the total for our 25 targets exceeds the 40 indicators recommended.

We consider all our targets to be stretching and we will strive to deliver them. However, it must be recognised that a number of factors outside the control of the authorities can impact on delivery. Examples include the fares policy of bus companies and subsequent impact on passenger numbers, technological developments and weather conditions affecting air quality.

We have faced particular problems with highway maintenance targets. Over the last two years, we have made major efforts to ensure accurate, consistent collection of data, in order to analyse trends and set suitable targets. Final figures for this year’s BVPIs were unavailable at the time of writing, due to delays in the TRACS-type machine surveys and problems with footway data. Once we have checked and processed this data using UKPMS, we may have to refine our targets. This is a national problem.

Economic Targets:

Those relevant for the Metropolitan Area are contained in the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. They focus on increasing the amount of development within Major Urban Areas, Regeneration Zones and High Technology Corridors, but are not quantified. A further target looks at linking at least one Regional Investment Site to each Regeneration Zone and High Technology Corridor.

A number of our LTP2 targets contribute towards the achievement of these economic targets by increasing accessibility to enable successful new development. The most pertinent of these are:

Housing Targets

Similarly housing targets for the Metropolitan Area are in the Regional Spatial Strategy. They include:

Again the LTP2 targets facilitate the achievement of these housing targets by aiming to improve accessibility for local residents, so making housing developments more attractive to people who may consider moving outside the Area.

Social Inclusion Targets

The Regional Social Inclusion Partnership is currently in the process of developing a Social Inclusion Work Plan, which will contain agreed targets. Local Community Plans for each of the City or Metropolitan Borough Councils contain policy statements about social inclusion and accessibility. A number are currently being updated and will incorporate targets in due course. As such, the LTP2 targets on accessibility support local policies rather than link to existing targets. The most relevant of the LTP2 targets are:

The technical and consultation processes employed in developing all the targets will be continued throughout the life of the LTP2 to ensure, where necessary, targets can be updated to remain challenging but realistic. The internal officer working groups focusing on the LTP will consider, at least on an annual basis, the need to revise targets based on information contained in the forthcoming APRs. It is envisaged that increasing use will be made of the PRISM model to forecast what alterations to targets may be necessary during the LTP2 period.

  1. Full Guidance on Local Transport Plans, Second Edition, Department for Transport, December 2004
  2. technical guidance