PLANS to improve transport links between the north of Solihull and the town centre and joining up rural communities has been given the green light.
Solihull Council has adopted a refreshed version of its borough-wide transport strategy and accompanying delivery plan, known as Solihull Connected 2023.
The 10-year plan, which outline the council’s policy position on transport investment, was first adopted in 2016 but earlier this year an updated version was put forward.
The Council say the latest plan responds to shifts in transport policy and travel pattern and behaviours over the past six years, including the impact the pandemic has had on travel habits.
It added the current transport network in Solihull is predominantly focused towards providing access to Birmingham City centre but Solihull Connected 2023 also looks to provide a transport system that links people to jobs and enhances the economy of Solihull.
The 2023 strategy focuses on improving transport links from the north of the borough to Solihull town centre and on joining up many of Solihull’s rural communities which it states is underserved by public transport.
The way Solihull Connected 2023 will become a reality has also been drawn up including how it will be resourced.
The main focus of this delivery plan spans April 2022 to March 2027 to align with the first five-year tranche of approved West Midlands City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement capital funding.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The vision underpinning Solihull Connected is a simple one.
“We want to develop a multi-modal transport system that provides access to all parts of the borough, supports our economy, is safe to use and makes the borough healthier and fairer for communities, businesses, and visitors.
“Solihull Connected 2023 looks at why and how we travel and sets out the policies, initiatives and interventions that can be taken to improve travel and transport across the borough.
“The ambition behind it is to plan for balanced investment in transport infrastructure that still caters for cars, while also emphasising alternatives.
“We received some really positive and constructive feedback during our recent consultation, and I feel confident that the vision, aims and priorities in our updated strategy are the right ones.”
