Solihull Council has launched a 6-week consultation on a refreshed version of its borough-wide transport strategy and accompanying delivery plan, known as ‘Solihull Connected 2023’.
This updated strategy repositions the Council’s approach to transport over the next decade, setting out its vision for a multi-modal transport system that accesses all parts of the borough, supports the economy, is safe to use and makes the borough healthier and fairer for communities, businesses, and visitors.
The strategy was first adopted in 2016, however an updated draft has now been produced which seeks to respond to shifts in transport policy and travel patterns and behaviours we have seen over the past six years. The refreshed strategy also looks at, and responds to, the impact of Covid-19 on people’s travel habits in the borough and considers how to best cater for growing populations and ageing demographics across different areas of the borough.
The current transport network in Solihull is predominantly focused towards providing access to Birmingham City centre and, whilst that remains important, Solihull Connected 2023 seeks to also provide a multi-modal transport system that links people to jobs and enhances the economy of Solihull. A particular focus is placed on improving transport links from the North of the borough to Solihull town centre and on joining up many of Solihull’s rural communities which are underserved by public transport.
To help achieve the vision and objectives contained in Solihull Connected 2023, a delivery plan has also been drawn up, which sets out in more detail the steps that will be taken to deliver Solihull Connected and how they will be resourced. The main focus of this delivery plan spans April 2022 to March 2027 to align with the first 5-year tranche of approved West Midlands City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement capital funding. This live document will be added to and updated as required over the coming months and years.
A 6-week public consultation on the updated strategy launches today (Monday 9 January) via the Council’s new engagement platform ‘Your Voice Solihull’ and will run until Monday 20 February 2023.
To view the draft strategy and take part in the consultation visit: https://yourvoicesolihull.uk.engagementhq.com/solihull-connected
Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for the Economy, said:
“These are exciting times for the borough. Already one of the best-connected destinations in Europe, Solihull is perfectly positioned to benefit from significant new investment in our transport network, benefitting our economy, environment, and health. A comprehensive and up-to-date transport strategy is vital if we are to capitalise on these opportunities.
“Delivered properly this strategy has the potential to maximise opportunities associated with the arrival of HS2, help revitalise our local town centres, provide access to areas of new housing, enhance our natural environment, improve air quality, and tackle climate emissions, all while lifting life chances in our most disadvantaged communities by improving access to jobs, education and housing.
“We know that different parts of the borough have distinctive needs and so this strategy contains recommendations tailored for six separate sub-areas. A key priority for me, and one that is reflected in Solihull Connected 2023, is a focus on improving connections between the North of the borough and Solihull town centre.”
Cllr Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
“The vision underpinning Solihull Connected is a simple one. We want to develop a multi-modal transport system that provides access to all parts of the borough, supports our economy, is safe to use and makes the borough healthier and fairer for communities, businesses, and visitors.
“Solihull Connected 2023 looks at why and how we travel and sets out the policies, initiatives and interventions that can be taken to improve travel and transport across the borough. The ambition behind it is to plan for balanced investment in transport infrastructure that still caters for cars, while emphasising alternatives. We received some fantastic input and endorsement from members of the public and stakeholders last time round and I’m hoping people will get involved again to help make sure we get this right.”
A series of information sessions will be held across the borough for residents to find out more, discuss the strategy with members of the transport team and share their thoughts. These sessions will be held at:
- Chelmsley Wood Library / Monday 16 Jan / 09:30 - 13:00
- Knowle Library / Thursday 19 Jan / 09:30 - 13:00
- The Core Library / Friday 27 Jan / 11:00 - 15:00
- Balsall Common Library / Monday 30 Jan / 14:00 - 17:00
- Olton Library / Tuesday 14 Feb / 09:30 - 13:00