7.1 LTP2 proposed plans

7.1.1 The need to improve accessibility underpins the Community Strategies of the ten District Councils and hence our LTP. We aim to ensure that all members of society, especially those who are disadvantaged, are able to access key facilities, in particular employment, fresh food, healthcare and learning. In addition to increasing social inclusion, accessibility improvements increase transport choices for everyone and help to reduce car use. Improved accessibility therefore contributes to meeting the targets in our Local Area Agreements, namely: NI 175 (access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling - Salford, Stockport, Wigan); NI198 (percentage of pupils walking or cycling to school - Bury, Trafford, Wigan); NI 56 (percentage of children in Year 6 who are obese - Oldham, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Wigan) ; NI 110 (Young people's participation in positive activities - Oldham, Rochdale, Wigan); NI 141 (percentage of vulnerable people achieving independent living - Bury, Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside); NI 139 (extent to which older people receive the support they need to live independently - Rochdale), NI 167 (congestion - Bury, Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, Wigan); and NI 15 (overall satisfaction with the local area - Stockport, Tameside).

7.1.2 In LTP2 we said we would use a toolkit of measures to improve accessibility across Greater Manchester, especially for those who are dependent on public transport services for their mobility.  Our strategy included;

  • New public transport services to improve connections for areas where growth is expected
  • Ensuring access considerations are given due weight in development control decisions
  • Opportunities provided to pump-prime new services
  • Improvements to capacity and reliability of public transport
  • better walking and cycling links (including to the public transport network)
  • Reducing social exclusion amongst the over 60s and the disabled.
  • Integrating social needs transportation
  • Provision of infrastructure and vehicles for people with mobility problems

7.1.3 In line with Government guidance, our Accessibility Strategy also focused on the need to work with partners to identify both transport and non transport solutions to accessibility problems. Non-transport solutions include:

  • Better location of facilities
  • Changes in service delivery
  • Better awareness of opportunities through improved information and promotion

7.1.4 The LTP2 and the associated Cycling Strategy & Action Plan identified a number of key actions:

  • Improving infrastructure for cyclists, including at cycle investment sites, the National Cycle Network and parking facilities
  • Strong cycle elements within school and workplace travel plans
  • Education and marketing activities, including mapping information, magazines and website
  • Improving cycle training
  • Improving our delivery

7.1.5 Similarly, we said we would encourage walking by:

  • Promoting of walking within school and workplace travel plans
  • Delivering pedestrian training for schoolchildren
  • Delivering engineering measures, for example lighting, crossing points and surfacing, to overcome barriers to walking
  • Establishing more direct and safe routes between key places, and reducing traffic speeds