Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader of the Council which sought approval and adoption of the Oldham Transport Strategy.

The Oldham Transport Strategy set out how Oldham would meet the ambitions set out in the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 and sub strategies, whilst ensuring investment was prioritised to ensure Oldham’s Transport and Highways Network support a Healthy, Clean and Thriving borough.

The Vision for Oldham as set out in the strategy is to create a connected borough with increasing use of public transport and active travel that provides all people with safe and inclusive access to opportunities and healthy choices.

The Transport Strategy set out the council's transport and highways ambitions in relation to:

• A Healthy Oldham
• A Clean Oldham
• A Safe Oldham
• An Accessible Olham
• A Connected Oldham and
• A Thriving Oldham

The Oldham Transport Strategy and Delivery Plan aligned with the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 ‘Right Mix’ ambition for half of all journeys to be made by active and sustainable transport modes by 2040. The aim of Oldham’s Transport Strategy was to reduce carbon emissions from transport, increase cycling, walking and public transport use and enable the borough to become an increasingly attractive place to live, work and visit.

The Delivery Plan set out transport interventions to be delivered over the following time periods:

• short term 0 - 5 years;
• medium term 5 -10 years;
• long term 10 – 20 years (up to 2040); and
• beyond 20 years - 2040 onwards.

The Transport Strategy also included the first proposed sub-strategy - an update to the Oldham Town Centre Parking Strategy. The refreshed Town Centre Parking Strategy was necessary to support the current regeneration proposals for the town centre.

Options/alternatives considered

Option 1 - To adopt and publish the Transport Strategy, Delivery Plan and Town Centre Parking Strategy to support our framework to direct transport investment for all modes going forward to support sustainable growth and development to enable and ensure a healthy, clean, safe and connected.

Option 2 - To not adopt and publish the Transport Strategy, Delivery Plan and Town Centre Parking Strategy, which will weaken the case for transport investment in the borough, as there will not be clear direction on the need and justification for the investment, and links to how it meets the targets set out in the GM2040 Strategy.

RESOLVED – That the Oldham Transport Strategy including the Delivery Plan and Oldham Town Centre parking strategy be adopted to embed meeting the aims of the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 (GM2040)  in the borough and ensure our transport and highways networks enable the building of homes and the creation of jobs.