Improvements to public transport, better road safety and increased accessibility for disabled people have been highlighted as transport priorities by people in Newcastle.
An independent analysis of consultation feedback on Newcastle City Council’s proposed Movement Strategy has revealed that better air quality, reduced traffic congestion and improving opportunities for walking and wheeling is also important to people.
The Movement Strategy will guide the city’s transport development until 2045 and is aimed at creating a city that is sustainable, efficient, safe, accessible and inclusive.
More than 1,300 individuals and organisations took part in the consultation and the feedback showed strong support, with almost 80 per cent of those who responded agreeing with the proposed strategy vision.
Cllr Juna Sathian, Cabinet Member for Climate and Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “We need a transport system that works for everyone and gives all of our residents access to travel choices that are right for them and the journeys they are making.
“But this is about much more than just getting from A to B. Better walking and cycling networks can help people to be more active, happier and healthier and better public transport networks can open up employment, training and other opportunities – so it’s really important that our transport system is designed to meet these priorities.
“It’s very reassuring to see that many of those who responded to our Movement Strategy consultation support these aims and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback.”
The council is using the feedback to help ensure the city’s planned Movement Strategy addresses people’s transport needs and priorities.
Members of Newcastle City Council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the Movement Strategy in summer 2025.
The strategy will set out the overarching principles that will guide the development of the city’s transport networks over the next 20 years.
The Movement Strategy for Newcastle will supplement the regional transport plan as well as the city’s Local Plan, which sets out how wider development and planning policy will help to shape the city in the future.
More information about the Movement Strategy can be found at www.newcastle.gov.uk/movement-strategy