Daughter Strategies are component parts of the Transport Strategy set out in Chapter 4 of LTP2. They allow a closer look than could otherwise be possible in the Plan alone. Some of the daughter strategies put in place during LTP1 and carried forward into LTP2 are subject to review. Some new strategies are also being developed.
The daughter strategies are:
County Durham's Accessibility Strategy aims to reduce social exclusion, whilst at the same time assisting social and economic development.
Current position: Draft completed - not yet approved by Cabinet.
- Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance
The County Council is responsible for the maintenance of bridges in the county including works of improvement and strengthening.
Current position: Being developed as a Whole Life Plan using condition indicators for the new Transport Asset Management Plan.
The
Cycling Strategy seeks to establish an increase in cycle journeys of all types. This will be achieved through the establishment of a complete and meaningful network of routes throughout within the county and linking with those of neighbouring authorities.
Current position: The strategy is currently being updated in view of cycle infrastructure that was completed under LTP1. Under the second LTP we will establish what needs to be done to increase the cycle network and the use of cycling as a viable means of transport and as a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle.
The highway network forms the largest and most visible community asset for which the Authority is responsible. It is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental well being of the community, shaping the character and quality of local areas and contributing to wider local authority priorities, including regeneration, social inclusion, community safety, education and health.
To fulfil its potential it is essential that the local highway network is adequately maintained. The importance of and the need for adequate investment in highway maintenance has been recognised as shown by the high value placed on it by users and the wider community with regard to safety and journey reliability. In this regard a sustained long term programme of investment which is planned, efficiently managed and supported by effective technical and management systems is required to be implemented in conjunction with the Local Transport Plan process and through the development of a Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) regime.
Current position: Being developed as part of the Transport Asset Management Plan. Target date for completion of the TAMP is March 2008.
Although most of the decisions made on passenger rail take place at national level, the County Council is able to highlight important issues and mediate the decision-making process. The Council's role lies more in the area of promoting this form of travel and in maintaining station facilities. This daughter strategy supports the establishment of new stations, improvement of existing stations and the reopening of the Leamside Line.
Current position: Draft in infancy.
This is a joint strategy between Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham Fire & Rescue, Highways Agency, Darlington Borough Council and the Primary Care Trusts. It replaces the proposed Road Safety Strategy and has a primary objective of reducing all casualties on the roads.
Current position: Draft to be completed by April 2008.
With obvious links to the Road Safety strategy, reducing the chance of skidding is of high importance. Wet road crash locations and sites with hazards such as sharp bends, are the main focus points.
Current position: Strategy passed by Cabinet but needs to align with resources.
The focus of this is to further enforce speed limits.The overall aim that is hoped to be achieved is to make the county's highways safer to use. The
Speed Strategy implemented during LTP1 is still in place.
Current position: Draft completed at the end of November 2006. Guidance now received. Police volunteer jointly drafting with DCC and others.
The
Walking Strategy for LTP1 has been replaced by the
Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), which was published in November 2007. This statutory plan, which will be fully integrated into LTP2 by 2011, is a wide-ranging document which considers the access and rights of way network in its broadest sense, and looks at much more than just walking. It is about new opportunities, and the links between access and issues such as health and exercise, tourism and education. The ROWIP includes an Action Plan for the County Council and its partners.
Current position: The ROWIP is now available and being integrated into LTP2
- Bus Strategy - Consultation underway.
This strategy details how bus services and community transport will be improved within the county. It addresses the needs of both current and potential bus users in order to achieve passenger growth. The
draft Bus Strategy is currently open to consultation and comments are invited up until 16 May 2008.
The following daughter strategies will complement the bus strategy and will provide a more thorough explanation for each subject area:
It is important to make buses easier to use through improvements to travel information on routes, times, fares, connections, access for disabled people and concessionary travel.
Current position: Draft approved by Cabinet for formal consultation.
A main priority of bus infrastructure development is making improvements to the waiting environment and ensuring all urban stops have clearways and are accessible to disabled people.
Current position: Draft in its infancy.
County Durham's Accessibility Strategy aims to reduce social exclusion, whilst at the same time assisting social and economic development.
Current position: Draft completed - not yet approved by Cabinet.
The County Council has a lobbying role under this strategy, particularly in response to comments or complaints made by passengers.
Current position: Draft - work in progress.
- Bus Service Level Policy Guidance
This gives comprehensive guidelines on the minimum desireable standards for bus service provision and frequency for centres of population of varying size in relation to the County Council's role of influencing bus companies.
Current position: Draft completed but still to align with new strategic approach.
Community Transport provides 'niche' transport services for local areas and meets the various needs unable to be met by a conventional commercial service.
Current position: Draft approved by Cabinet for formal consultation which is now underway.
