Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Search representations

Results for Sustrans search

New search New search

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR1 – Priorities for the Development of the Transport Network

Representation ID: 1005

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR5 – Creating Coherent Networks for Cycling and Walking

Representation ID: 1006

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR5 – Creating Coherent Networks for Cycling and Walking

Representation ID: 1007

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

11. Transport

Representation ID: 1008

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR3 – Managing Transport Impacts of New Development

Representation ID: 1009

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR3 – Managing Transport Impacts of New Development

Representation ID: 1010

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

11. Transport

Representation ID: 1011

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR6 – Influencing the Demand for Travel and Travel Choices

Representation ID: 1012

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Policy STR6 – Influencing the Demand for Travel and Travel Choices

Representation ID: 1013

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

Comment

Draft Regulation 18 Sandwell Local Plan

Introduction

Representation ID: 1014

Received: 18/12/2023

Respondent: Sustrans

Representation Summary:

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.

Full text:

Permeability Across Motorways and Key Route Network:
We recommend a thorough consideration of permeability across the motorway and key route network for pedestrians and cyclists. Ensuring safe and convenient crossing points is crucial for promoting active travel and creating an integrated transport network.

Interactions of Multi-Modal Journeys:
The plan should emphasise the importance of seamless interactions between various modes of transportation. Integration between walking, cycling, and public transport is essential for creating a cohesive and user-friendly transport system.

Inclusion of National Cycle Network:

The draft plan lacks explicit mention of the National Cycle Network. We recommend its inclusion as a key element in the cycling chapter to highlight the importance of regional and national connectivity for cyclists.

Road Space Reallocation and Speed Management:

The plan is unclear on the need for road space reallocation or changes in speeds to prioritise active travel. We suggest that a default consideration of reallocating road space and managing speeds should be incorporated to promote active travel.

Inclusion and Diversity in Accessibility:

While accessibility is briefly mentioned, the plan should elaborate on inclusion and diversity, ensuring that design for active travel accommodates everyone, including those with diverse mobility needs.

Linking Developments to the Network:

The plan should emphasize how new developments will link to the existing network. Consideration should be given to creating secondary networks to fill gaps, ensuring a comprehensive and well-connected active travel infrastructure.

Car Parking Ratios in New Developments:

Given Sandwell's high ratio of car parking in new developments, we recommend exploring policies that support and incentivise active travel, potentially reevaluating parking requirements to encourage walking and cycling.

Car Parking on Kerbs as an Issue:

The plan should address concerns related to car parking on kerbs as it may impact the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists. Policies should be developed to minimise such issues and promote a safer environment for active travel.

Public Transport Accessibility for All:
The plan should emphasise the importance of making public transport accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This involves not only physical accessibility but also ensuring that information and services are inclusive.

Promotion of Active Travel Initiatives:

We would encourage the inclusion of initiatives to actively promote walking and cycling, such as public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational programs to foster a culture of active transportation.

Community Engagement in Planning:
We advocate for meaningful community engagement in the planning process, ensuring that local residents and stakeholders have a say in the development of the transport network to address specific community needs and concerns.


In conclusion, we believe that addressing these points will contribute to the development of a transport network that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and the well-being of the community. We appreciate your consideration of our comments and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering a transport system that aligns with the principles of active travel.

For instructions on how to use the system and make comments, please see our help guide.