Published Date: Nov 27th, 2023
Fife Council's new Local Transport Strategy, which sets out the vision for fair, sustainable access for all will be deliberated by councillors at Cabinet Committee this week (Thursday, 30 November).
The wide-ranging Local Transport Strategy sets out priorities and provides a roadmap for investment and decision making on transport over the next decade.
The strategy, a result of extensive consultations with Fife's communities, partners, and stakeholders, reflects the collective aspirations of the region’s future. With a focus on addressing key transport issues, the plan prioritises council operations and investments, maximising grant funding and evolving technology opportunities.
The vision is supported by the four priorities:
- Fair access to daily activities
- Safe and secure travel for all
- A just transition to net zero
- A resilient transport network
Cllr Altany Craik, Fife Council, Spokesperson, Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, said: “Our vision is for Fife's transport system to support communities with affordable, seamless and sustainable access. Our transport network is crucial to keeping Fife moving and our new positive strategy will further improve access to work, education, healthcare, leisure and green space. The delivery of the ambitious objectives and actions will empower our communities and encourage investment in Fife.
“Our strategy will help us achieve carbon net-zero status and tackle climate change to address the Climate Emergency. . By walking and cycling more, we can further improve our air quality and reduce obesity rates, as well as make our neighbourhoods a better place to live.
“We are also working with others to decarbonise the transport sector, by encouraging sustainable travel and enabling the roll-out of zero emission vehicles. Everyone has a part to play in delivering the strategy, so we look forward to working with local people as we strive towards our vision.”
Active travel ambitionsThe strategy prioritises walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport while acknowledging that private vehicles continue to play an important role for some trips.
The council will lead on reducing Fife’s transport emissions by 56% by 2030. Active travel is an affordable, healthy, low-carbon form of transport. Half of journeys in Fife are under 3km, short enough to be walked, wheeled or cycled within 15 minutes. Despite much progress, 70% of journeys are still made by car and the council is committed to increasing the proportion of trips that are walked, wheeled or cycled to 30% by 2033.
Investment in road network repairsRecognising the importance of road infrastructure, Fife Council is investing significantly to reduce the backlog of repairs. As well as regular inspections, innovative systems are being trialled to support road maintenance priorities, ensuring proactive measures for better value.
Building on previous successMany of the proposals set out in the previous Local Transport Strategy for Fife 2006-2026 have been delivered, including:
- Halbeath Park and Ride
- New active travel routes, including links to schools
Ongoing delivery of the Strategic Development Area housing developments
Fife Council is working in partnership to deliver walking, wheeling and cycling and bus improvements to support the new Levenmouth Rail Link, due to be opened in 2024.
The 65 actions outlined in the strategy document are outlined within Appendix 1.
