Consultation On Future Of Local Transport Launches

People are being invited to share their views on the future of transport in Merseyside. As part of preparations for the next Local Transport Plan (LTP3), the Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP) wants to hear opinions of people from all sectors of the community.

The six-week public consultation, which runs until 12th April, will help shape the future of local transport planning in Merseyside. The consultation was officially launched to stakeholders this week and members of the public are now being encouraged to get involved.

The results of the consultation, as well as extensive research, will be used to gain an insight into the region's transport needs over the next two decades. Once the views of stakeholders and the people of Merseyside have been gathered, MTP will look in detail at how elements of the plan can be put into practice over a shorter timeframe. LTP3 is due to start in April 2011.

At this stage, people are being given the opportunity to comment on four key themes - the work that MTP is already doing to provide a safe and efficient transport system; goals for the future; the concept of creating a new 'mobility culture'; and the challenges and opportunities that transport in Merseyside faces in coming years.

Neil Scales, Chair of MTP, said: "Transport has an important role to play in the region's future in supporting the growth of the economy, helping tackle climate and encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles. Our new Local Transport Plan will also play a key role in helping Merseyside achieve its vision of becoming a thriving international city region by 2030.

"Transport affects us all and it is absolutely crucial that as many people as possible are involved in the process of planning for the region's changing transport needs. Over the coming weeks, we will be gathering opinions from a cross section of the community and I would urge everyone to make sure they have their say."

To have your say, visit www.transportmerseyside.org .