15 Year Transport Island Transport Plan Focuses On Lowering Carbon And Increasing Inclusivity

A 15-year vision for Island transport will be examined by Isle of Wight councillors this week.

The economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee (ERTIC) is due to discuss the draft Island Transport Plan (ITP), a key document to direct transport policy, development and delivery on the Isle of Wight from 2025 to 2040.

Councillors will decide whether to approve the current draft ITP for publication and a public consultation on the plan, starting in Autumn 2025.

Consultation responses will be used to inform the final draft which will come before ERTIC ahead of a full council vote in early next year.

A committee report describes the ITP’s vision as an ‘inclusive transport system that enables a low-carbon, safe, prosperous and healthy future for all residents and visitors; and seeks to protect and enhance the Island’s unique local natural and built environment’.

It sets out four main objectives: a transport network that ‘produces net zero greenhouse gas emissions’ and is resilient to climate change impacts, people and goods travelling ‘sustainably and efficiently’ to and from, and around the Island, an ‘inclusive, accessible and affordable transport network’ and one which is safe, supporting ‘thriving, healthier communities’.

“It is a statutory requirement for the Isle of Wight Council, as the Local Transport Authority to maintain an up-to-date LTP,” the report notes.

“The ITP has been consciously drafted with climate change risks and opportunities in mind with all key actions and objectives steered in the direction of a net zero goal for the Island by 2040 and the Climate and Environment Strategy.

“It is recognised that a transport network that performs well supports local economic growth, and the ITP is very much based on this principle. It is also recognised that car ownership can be a financial barrier to some, therefore an improved sustainable transport network will go some way to address this issue.

“An efficient and sustainable transport network is essential for current young people, and future generations, to access education, employment, social events, appointments etc.”

ERTIC will meet at County Hall at 5pm tomorrow (Thursday).