A survey seeking the views of residents, visitors and businesses on travel and transport across Dorset has received a high number of responses so far, and there is still time for people to get involved.
More than 2,000 people have completed Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council’s Local Transport Plan engagement survey since it launched at the end of January, with the closing date for feedback 23:59hrs on 3 March 2024.
Many people have also been talking to the councils at a series of roadshow events across the county.
Public transport, parking, cycle routes, rail services, rural isolation, safety, and congestion are amongst the topics raised so far.
Survey feedback will help the two councils understand the different transport needs of the diverse communities who live and work in Dorset.
This data will help develop a new joint Local Transport Plan enabling people to travel safely and easily around the county, whilst protecting the region’s beautiful landscape.
The survey will also ensure the councils can secure more national government funding for the improvements you want to see.
Find out more and take part in the survey
As well as the online survey, paper copies are available at Dorset Council and BCP Council libraries.
The analysis of all the feedback received will take place during the spring, and reporting will follow later this year.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy said: “To date, we have received around 2,000 responses to our engagement survey, which is really encouraging and shows just how important improved travel and transport is to residents, businesses, and visitors across the whole county.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their input so far and ask anyone who is yet to share their views to take a few minutes to do so.
“This joint plan between Dorset and BCP councils will set out how transport infrastructure is delivered to meet some of the most demanding challenges our area faces and is needed to ensure everyone can travel safely and a lot more efficiently.
“Your views will play an important role in helping shape this and influence some key decisions moving forward.”
Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment for Dorset Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who has completed the survey so far, shared ideas with our transport teams or given feedback.
“This is all essential to help our two councils shape a transport plan that works for everyone, wherever you are, in Dorset.
“There are still drop-in events taking place around the county, and the team have added sessions in Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Gillingham. Please come along, or get in touch, if you have any questions.”
Roadshow events have been taking place around the county, with more scheduled for February.
Anyone unable to attend an event who has a question or wants to know more is encouraged to get in touch by email at LTP@DorsetCouncil.gov.uk or LTP@BCPCouncil.go.uk
Forthcoming events:
- Saturday 17 February – Bridport Library, 10am to 2pm
- Monday 19 February – Bournemouth Library, 2pm to 6pm
- Tuesday 20 February – Charmouth Parish Council offices, The Elms, The Street, Charmouth, DT6 6LN, 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday 20 February – The Guildhall, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, 3pm to 6pm
- Thursday 29 February – The Chantry Fields Office, Gillingham, SP8 4UA, 10am to 4pm
- Thursday 22 February – Shaftesbury Library, 10am to 2pm
- Saturday 24 February – Dorchester Library, 10am to 2pm
- Monday 26 February – Sherborne Library, 2pm to 6pm
- Wednesday 28 February – Christchurch Library, 10am to 2pm
