Introduction
The NWTP will focus on improving the sustainability of the local transport system by supporting people to choose the most sustainable mode of travel for their journey and aims to ensure that the transport network meets the needs of the people and businesses living, working and visiting DCSDC.
The NWTP will complement DCSDC’s Local Development Plan through the integration of transportation and land-use decisions. The NWTP will also compliment the Derry & Strabane City Deal.
The future development of the Regional Strategic Transport Network (RSTN) is not considered as part of the NWTP. This means changes to strategic roads such as the A5 and the railway network are not being considered in the NWTP. These will be considered separately in a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan 2035 currently being prepared by the Department. The NWTP will maximise and build on the regional connectivity of the RSTN.
The NWTP does not consider changes to Community Transport operations or the provision of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. These matters are being considered separately by the Department at a regional level and will be integrated as appropriate into the NWTP.
Developing the Transport Plan
The Transport plan is being developed with the support of the consultants Aecom, officers from DCSDC, a representative from Translink, and officials from the Department for Communities.
The Transport Plan is being prepared in 6 stages. These are:
- Stage 1 is the collection of evidence and developing a draft vision and objectives.
- Stage 2 is the identification and assessment of various transport options that could be included within the Transport Plan.
- Stage 3 involves the refinement of the various transport options.
- Stage 4 will involve public consultation of the draft Transport Plan and the associated assessments.
- Stage 5 will involve the consideration of the consultation responses and the publication of the final Transport Plan.
- Stage 6 is the monitoring and evaluation of the Transport Plan
We are at Stage 1 - the beginning of the Transport Plan preparation process. Stage 1 is about evidence gathering and to understanding local people’s views on:
- the strengths of the area and the problems we need to solve based on the transport challenges you face every day;
- the end goal we want to achieve, the Vision, which will be informed by the existing challenges and the way in which we aim to address them; and
- how we will get there, the direction of which is determined by the Objectives.
An initial engagement exercise on Stage 1 is now open and will run to the 05 November 2024. Please note this is not a formal consultation exercise. This will be undertaken later at Stage 4.
An Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA) is be prepared alongside the NWTP. This will include a Strategic Environmental Assessment under The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004. The ISA will assess the environmental impacts of the NWTP, including from Greenhouse Gas Emissions. It will also support the Rural Proofing and Equality Screening of the Transport Plan.
A Scoping Report has been prepared as part of the ISA. The purpose of the Scoping Report is to provide the context for, and determine the scope of, the ISA. The Scoping report will also set out the framework for undertaking the later stages of the ISA. If you would like to make any comments on Scoping Report this can be emailed to tpmu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk Comments must be submitted by the 05 November.
Project draft Vision and Objectives
The following draft Vision and Objectives have been developed for the NWTP. These will help shape the ongoing preparation of the Transport Plan.
Vision: An inclusive, sustainable, and efficient transport system, designed to support wellbeing, ensuring equality of opportunity, contributing to modal shift, reducing emissions and supporting economic growth, for a thriving, prosperous and connected North West Region
Draft Objectives:
- Maintain and improve local transport connections to support economic growth and vitality across the North-West Region.
- Reduce transport emissions through measures that provide, prioritise and promote sustainable travel options, contribute to modal shift and supports climate change targets.
- Improve accessibility and attractiveness of local public transport services across the North-West region to, and within, Derry City and Strabane.
- Provide safe, attractive, and well-connected active travel networks in the urban areas of Derry City and Strabane to support connectivity between land uses.
- Support a prosperous Derry City and Strabane, by contributing to high quality public realm that seeks to reduce vehicle dominance and makes them accessible, attractive and inclusive places to live, work, study and visit.
- Ensure the transport network is sustainable and resilient to a changing climate.
- Contribute to improvements in transport safety to improve the health and well-being of people, reduce road casualties and improve air quality.
- Maximise opportunities related to the Growth Deal to promote sustainable transport.
Supporting documents for the NWTP
Supporting documents, include the Evidence Base and ISA Scoping Report are available on the Departments Website.
Stage 1 Engagement survey
Survey Closes 05 November:
Next steps and timescales
We will consider your views made as part of this engagement exercise as part of the preparation process. The draft NWTP alongside associated assessments will be published later in 2024.