Bracknell council decides local transport plans

A new plan for travelling in and around a town for the next 12 years has been decided.

The Labour administration at Bracknell Forest Council has been working on its local transport plan that will run until 2037.

It will prioritise the development of alternatives to the car, with enhanced bus connectivity, segregated cycle lanes and step-free access for pavements.

Labour councillor for Easthampstead and Wildridings, Guy Gilbe said: "This plan is about practical improvements that touch everyday lives."

The plan does not mention emissions-based parking charges, similar to those which are set to be introduced in Reading.

It also does not suggest the ultra-low emission zones (ULEZ) implemented in London and clean air zones in cities in England.

The council said it would promote the use of ultra-low-emission and electric vehicles and deliver more than 1,200 EV charging points by the end of the plan.

Mr Gilbe said: "This isn't just a response to existing travel patterns, it's an effort to align our transport vision with our efforts as a council to embrace the challenge of climate change and offer a more sustainable transport infrastructure."

He also said the council was investing £5m in the road network over four years.

The plan was unanimously approved and received support from opposition members.

Conservative councillor for Whitegrove Robert McLean said: "The key thing is we have to make sure people have the opportunity to choose alternatives.

"What we need to do is have a transport plan that encourages people to use other forms of transport, because it's better for the environment and its better for the borough, but also it's better for them."

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