The purpose of this report is to seek Cabinet approval for the Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2025-2041.

ChildrenCHTHE MEMBER the The member for transport and infrastructure introduced the report.  It was highlighted that the council was required to adopt a Local Transport Plan under section 108 to 113 of the Transport Act 2003.  The policies within the plan must promote safe, integrated efficient and economic transport.  The Act required consultation and on adoption must be provided to the Secretary of State. 

The key points that the document considered were set out.  Notably, it unlocked eligibility for competitive strategic DfT funding e.g. Active Travel, Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and provided a strong business case for major infrastructure projects e.g. the Western Bypass. Additionally, the government have been progressing with a new incentivized element to the highways maintenance block with a proposed 25% funding uplift given, if councils meet certain criteria such as best practice in sustainable transport and long-term planning and asset management.  It ensures infrastructure investment was targeted and evidence based. It improved the reliability and quality of bus services and reducing chronic road network delays. Provided a clear measurable framework for reducing transport emissions by 40%. It promoted public health benefits by encouraging active travel measures with engagement of Active Travel England.

It was highlighted that the adoption of the LTP5 was central to delivering the council's environmental policy commitments and achieving key success measures outlined in the County Plan. The environmental impact of all future projects within the LTP5 would be a key consideration in their respective business cases, ensuring appropriate measures were taken to minimize negative effects and maximize environmental benefit. 

Financial implications, it was noted that the LTP5 was a strategic planning document

and did not in itself commit the council to any immediate capital expenditure. The purpose was to provide a clear framework for future investment. Funding to support the development and initial implementation of these policies was already included within the council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy. All future infrastructure projects and major schemes identified in the LTP5 would be subject to a separate review and would require future funding bids including capital, program allocations and external grant opportunities.

The Council Plan 2024 to 2028 committed Herefordshire Council to develop Herefordshire as a place for growth, prosperity and communities to thrive. This year, the Delivery Plan committed the council to deliver the Local Transport Plan to ensure places can prosper and thrive with the right integrated transport networks and to seek cabinet approval to recommend the adoption of the LTP5 to council for agreement. 

Risk management was laid out at paragraph 16, page 102 and clearly laid out the impacts of not adopting the LTP5. The consultation process for the Local Transport Plan 5 2025 to 2041 was highly inclusive integrating extensive public feedback to shape the final strategic documents.

Detailed information on the consultation undertaken can be found at appendix A. An 8-week consultation on the draft LTP5 took place over the summer 2025. The consultation utilized both in-person and online forums to maximize its reach and engage with a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10