Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4)

Dorset Council and BCP Council are working together on a new joint transport plan. This is an opportunity for the councils to update plans to ensure that Dorset’s transport system meets the expectations of everyone, and to identify the most important issues to prioritise future investment.

Local Transport Authorities have a statutory duty to prepare and update a Local Transport Plan for their area. Since the last Local Transport Plan (LTP3) was produced in 2011 a lot has changed. The new joint Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) will set out the long-term goals, strategy, and policies for improving transport for everyone over the next 10 to15 years.

This joint plan will set out how transport is delivered to meet some of the demanding challenges facing the area, covering all types of transport, as well as road safety and maintenance.

The new plan is needed to ensure we can travel safely and easily, whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting the landscape that makes BCP and Dorset so special. All this must be done while maintaining economic growth and improving transport choices, accessibility, and experiences for all.

The plan will be designed in line with the government's priorities, especially the Net Zero by 2050 target.

Helping to shape travel and transport across Dorset

In early 2024, residents, businesses and visitors shared their views on what they consider to be the big transport issues across the whole of Dorset. This work plays an essential role in helping the councils understand the different transport needs of the diverse communities who live and work in Dorset

Dorset Council and BCP Council ran a 6 week survey to gather feedback and experiences. The survey covered a range of transport related topics, such as:

• improving transport across both rural and urban areas
• ensuring all ages and abilities can access services
• making it easier for people to be more physically active
• more opportunities for affordable, available and accessible public transport
• helping people feel safer on our roads and on public transport
• reducing congestion and carbon emission
• improving digital and real time information

As well as an online survey, people could attend roadshow-style events held at venues across the county for people to share ideas. 

These took place in:

• Weymouth
• Ferndown
• Poole
• Wareham
• Blandford
• Kinson
• Bridport
• Bournemouth
• Shaftesbury
• Dorchester
• Sherborne
• Christchurch
• Charmouth
• Lyme Regis
• Gillingham

The analysis of all the feedback received is underway further public consultation will take place on a draft plan in spring 2025.