Agenda item

An overview of the work areas across Strategic Transport, including how these fit into the GM picture and progress and delivery against Oldham’s Transport Strategy aims.

Presentation to be shared at the meeting.

The Scrutiny Board received a joint presentation from the Deputy Cabinet Member for Bee Network Delivery, the Assistant Director for Planning, Transport & Housing Delivery and the Strategic Transport Team Leader that provided members with an overview of the work areas across Strategic Transport, including how these fit into the Greater Manchester picture and progress and delivery against Oldham’s Transport Strategy aims. The areas that were covered in the presentation were:

•         GM Local Transport Plan (LTP)

–        Vision Zero

–        GM School Travel Strategy

–        Bee Network

–        Bus Franchising / Bus Network Reviews

•         Oldham Transport Strategy – Progress & Delivery

–        Home to School Travel / Safer Routes to Schools / School Streets

–        Development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

–        City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) 1 / 2

–        Activation Activity / Comms / Engagement

–        Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy / Action Plan

–        Town Centre Car Parking Action Plan

–        Bus Network Reviews / Bee Network Committee

The presentation aimed to provide a high-level update on the Greater Manchester and Local Transport Strategy, with key areas of policy/strategy and workstreams explored in more detail. Members were advised that these were busy and exciting times for transport in Greater Manchester as the Bee Network developed and real changes were starting to be seen on the ground.

The Greater Manchester Mayor had committed to extend £2 bus fare cap across Greater Manchester through to the end of 2025 (subject to a mid-year review).

There were also several, positive announcements included in the Autumn Budget for Transport. In addition, the government was implementing an Integrated Settlement for Greater Manchester from 2025/26 bringing meaningful local control over funding in a single flexible pot; which was in effect a vote of confidence from Government towards the devolution programme in Greater Manchester.

The Board was advised that GMCA were required to approve their final strategy and action plan at the end of November 2024. In this regard, Oldham highways officers were part of the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership (SRGMP) who have developed the Strategy and Action Plan. The Vision Zero ambition was zero FLCIs (fatalities and life changing injuries) on Greater Manchester roads by 2040. The Strategy also set an interim target of a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and life changing injuries by 2030.

The Strategy was not a funded delivery plan, ongoing funding would be required to deliver actions in full.  

Members were informed that an Innovation Fund worth £1m was to open as the Strategy and Action Plan are launched that partners can bid into. Oldham Council was looking to bid into this with measures likely to focus on safety around the Borough’s schools and residential areas.

There was an upcoming CRSTS1 prioritisation exercise that made the case for an element of potential underspend (£30m) to be redirected to Vision Zero action plan items. The Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership and Vision Zero Working Group will provide input into revisions of the GM 2040 Transport Strategy (Local Transport Plan) and future GM Transport Delivery Plans, providing necessary strategic direction for this work. There was work ongoing towards Vision Zero that will progress in line with the action plan and would be monitored through action updates and Safety Performance Indicators. The intention was that the Action Plan would be reviewed every three years.

Resolved:

1.    That the presentation that provided members with a high-level update on the Greater Manchester and Local Transport Strategy, be noted and welcomed.

2.    That a further update report/presentation be given to the Scrutiny Board in approximately 12 months.