Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2026 to 2041 summary

The plan sets out a shared vision for Dorset and BCP to deliver a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport network over the next 15 years. It aligns with council priorities on the environment, healthy communities and economic growth, and reflects thousands of resident, business and stakeholder views. 

Our area spans predominantly rural Dorset (69 % rural, population 380 000) and the urban/coastal BCP unitary authority (population 400,000), with key gateways at Poole and Portland ports and Bournemouth Airport. Both areas face challenges of ageing populations, deprivation pockets, housebuilding needs and constrained digital connectivity. 

Between 2011 and 2026, more than £400 million was invested in walking, cycling, public transport, safety and major road schemes (for example, Twin Sails bridge, Weymouth relief road). The new LTP builds on these successes and shifts from reactive, road-capacity focused planning to a vision-led approach prioritising people, place and low-carbon travel. 

The strategy was developed through:  

• a comprehensive evidence base (“Databook”) on demographics, travel patterns, emissions, network performance and future challenges
• decarbonisation analysis showing 1 227 kt CO₂e of annual transport emissions, a 4 794 kt CO₂e gap to net zero by 2050, and the need for a 32 % emissions cut
• public and stakeholder engagement (3 800+ participants) highlighting demands for better frequency, affordability and accessibility of public transport; expanded active-travel routes; digital connectivity; and equitable rural access

A best-practice development process, including a review of our current plan, scoping, data gathering, vision and objectives, strategy drafting and a late-summer/autumn 2025 public consultation, will culminate in LTP adoption in spring 2026, followed by five-yearly reviews. 

Our vision by 2041: “Our travel will be transformed through innovation and digital connectivity, creating accessible and inclusive travel choices for our residents, workers and visitors. Our transport network will support sustainable economic growth in our urban and rural communities, contribute to our decarbonisation targets and protect our unique local environment.”

We have 6 strategic objectives which are aligned with national, regional and local policy. These are shown below with what success looks like for each.

Objective:

• A – Safeguard the climate and environment 
  • align transport carbon emissions with local and national net-zero targets 
  • provide comprehensive zero-emission vehicle charging/refuelling 
  • make public transport, walking, wheeling and cycling preferred for many trips 
  • leverage digital technologies to reduce travel need 
  • achieve legal air-quality limits (NO₂, PM) 
  • adopt nature-positive design, enhance biodiversity in street schemes 
• B – Improve health and wellbeing 
  • increase active-mode and public-transport journeys 
  • prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling in street design 
  • deliver a connected, inclusive network of active-travel routes 
  • boost community physical and mental health via more frequent services 
  • minimise transport’s negative health impacts 
• C – Create accessible and prosperous places 
  • increase active-mode and public-transport journeys 
  • prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling in street design 
  • deliver a connected, inclusive network of active-travel routes 
  • boost community physical and mental health via more frequent services 
  • minimise transport’s negative health impacts 
• D – Enable a safer transport system 
  • increase active-mode and public-transport journeys 
  • prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling in street design 
  • deliver a connected, inclusive network of active-travel routes 
  • boost community physical and mental health via more frequent services 
  • minimise transport’s negative health impacts 
• E – Maintain a resilient and fit for purpose transport network 
  • increase active-mode and public-transport journeys 
  • prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling in street design 
  • deliver a connected, inclusive network of active-travel routes 
  • boost community physical and mental health via more frequent services 
  • minimise transport’s negative health impacts 
• F – Ensure public transport is inclusive and accessible to all 
  • increase active-mode and public-transport journeys 
  • prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling in street design 
  • deliver a connected, inclusive network of active-travel routes 
  • boost community physical and mental health via more frequent services 
  • minimise transport’s negative health impacts 

Each objective has a number of policies. These are included below with how each will be achieved. 

Policy A1: Reduce transport carbon emissions on a pathway compatible with national, regional, and local budgets and net zero commitments

• use a vision-led approach to cut transport emissions in line with the CCC net-zero pathway
• target a 32 % reduction in transport CO₂e by 2041 and keep future emissions within the local carbon budget
• leverage digital connectivity and behaviour change to reduce trip demand where feasible

Policy A2: Accelerate the uptake of zero-emission vehicles through the delivery of supporting infrastructure 

• roll out comprehensive EV charging and hydrogen refuelling points in both urban and rural locations
• secure grid upgrades and partner with energy providers to remove capacity constraints
• deliver workplace, residential and destination-based charging to support widespread ZEV adoption

Policy A3: Improve local air quality and reduce key sources of pollution from transport to protect our health and the natural and historic environment by addressing the key sources of pollution from transport

• assess air, noise and light impacts for all transport schemes, then avoid or mitigate harms 
• prioritise interventions in areas of highest deprivation and near sensitive receptors (schools, heathlands)
• encourage cleaner freight and public-transport fleets to tackle PM and NO₂ hotspots

Policy A4: Take a nature positive approach to transport design, delivery and maintenance to boost biodiversity

• embed green infrastructure (SuDS, tree planting, wildflower verges) into highway schemes
• require biodiversity net-gain in new developments or off-site habitat enhancement
• adapt maintenance regimes (e.g., mowing frequency) to support native species

Policy B1: Establish a joined up, safe and attractive active travel network supported by appropriate infrastructure

• develop LCWIPs/ATIPs and ROWIPs to create coherent walking, wheeling and cycling networks
• prioritise segregated, low-speed routes in urban areas to shift short trips from cars
• ensure all routes meet national design standards for accessibility and safety

Policy B2: Promote the benefits of travelling actively within our communities

• partner with health bodies, schools and employers on campaigns highlighting health and cost benefits
• deliver cycle and pedestrian training, personalised travel planning and behaviour-change initiatives
• improve wayfinding, signage and information to make active travel easier to choose

Policy B3: Improve local access to health and leisure opportunities, green spaces, public rights of way, tourist destinations and heritage assets

• enhance active and public-transport links to parks, trails and coastal attractions
• roll out e-bike hire, mobility hubs and EV chargepoints at key leisure sites
• work with tourism partners to package sustainable visitor journeys

Policy B4: Active travel infrastructure for sustainable development

• require major developments to include safe, direct walking and cycling connections to local services
• embed vision-led transport assessments that prioritise active modes before considering car capacity
• deliver secure cycle parking, mobility hubs and EV-ready spaces on-site

Policy C1: Improve sustainable access to our key tourism areas and manage the seasonal peaks in travel demand

• introduce visitor-focused bus services, park & ride and traffic management during high season
• provide real-time visitor travel information and promote low-carbon travel packages
• direct drivers to strategic car parks to reduce town-centre congestion

Policy C2: Maintain and improve connectivity and sustainable access for people and goods to local, regional, national and international gateways

• work with Western Gateway STB, National Highways and GBR to upgrade A31/A35 corridors
• shift freight from road to rail where possible and deploy low-emission HGV technologies
• improve multi-modal access to Poole & Portland ports and Bournemouth Airport

Policy C3: Improve access to education, training, employment and leisure/visitor destinations

• enhance bus and rail frequencies and coverage, especially in poorly connected areas
• target socially deprived wards with new or extended services to widen opportunity
• use Section 106/CIL funding to support tailored local schemes

Policy C4: Promote sustainable and cost effective travel options and provision of local facilities in new developments using a ‘vision led’ approach

• locate homes and jobs in walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods with good public-transport links
• limit parking provision, promote car-clubs and require on-site EV chargers
• secure developer contributions for off-site active-travel and public-transport improvements 

Policy C5: Deliver and support residential and business behaviour change initiatives to encourage safe, healthy and sustainable travel. 

• roll out workplace and school travel plans, incentives and personalised journey planning 
• integrate parking management with wider mode-shift schemes
• use mobility credits, personalised challenges and gamification to sustain new travel habits 

Policy D1: Improve the safety of all road users in accordance with the Dorset Road Safety Partnership Strategy and support its vision of zero road casualties by 2050

• adopt a Safe System approach: safer people, vehicles, speeds and roads
• target high-collision locations with engineering, education and enforcement packages
• monitor casualty reductions and adapt programmes toward the zero-KSI goal

Policy D2: Promote and co-ordinate road safety initiatives around schools to encourage sustainable forms of travel

• implement School Streets, 20 mph zones and walking buses at priority schools
• expand Bikeability and pedestrian training to build independent travel skills
• track modal shift to active travel and collision rates involving children

Policy D3: Improve personal safety for all journeys to ensure everyone can travel safely and go about their daily lives with comfort and ease

• design public spaces, interchanges and vehicles with good lighting, CCTV and natural surveillance
• extend public-transport operating hours and deploy safety officers at key locations
• engage with protected-characteristic groups to address specific security concerns

Policy E1: Maintain and enhance a resilient transport network that is adaptable and can withstand the impacts of more frequent and extreme weather events due to climate change

• climate-proof infrastructure via resilient materials, drainage, bridge strengthening and flood defences
• co-ordinate rapid recovery protocols with emergency services and utilities after incidents
• identify and prioritise critical links for adaptation funding

Policy E2: Manage our highway infrastructure and make the best use of road space to manage congestion, minimise traffic disruption, and improve journey time reliability for all journeys

• apply risk-based asset management to optimise maintenance mixes of reactive, preventative and planned works
• give priority at signals to buses and active modes; deploy smart parking sensors to reduce circling traffic 
• publish real-time network performance and congestion data to inform journeys

Policy E3: Embrace innovations in technology and materials to reduce carbon emissions and improve the effectiveness of network management and monitoring

• use smart traffic signals, IoT sensors and dynamic signage to optimise flow and prioritise low-carbon modes
• trial recycled and low-carbon surfacing, structures and street furniture
• share anonymised data with MaaS platforms and operators to enhance journey planning

Policy F1: Work with partner organisations to improve the connectivity within and between rural and urban areas and attractiveness of public transport as a travel choice

• strengthen Enhanced Partnerships and BSIPs to expand routes, frequencies and ticketing offers
• coordinate with Western Gateway STB and rail industry for cross-boundary service improvements
• support community transport and DRT pilots where conventional services are unviable

Policy F2: Prioritise local bus services to make journeys quicker and more reliable

• implement bus lanes, priority signals and stop-clearance measures on congested corridors
• subsidise off-peak and evening services to improve social inclusion
• monitor on-time performance and adjust network as needed

Policy F3: Embrace new technologies, digital data and shared mobility models to transform how people access and use public transport

• integrate on-demand minibuses, autonomous shuttles and micro-mobility into networks
• develop MaaS platforms offering single-app booking, real-time info and multimodal ticketing
• use data analytics to tailor services and predict demand

Policy F4: Deliver high quality transport interchanges and clear passenger information to improve journeys involving more than one form of transport

• upgrade hubs into mobility centres combining bus, rail, active-travel parking and EV chargepoints
• provide real-time departure boards, wayfinding and staffed help points
• ensure seamless connections and unified branding across modes

Policy F5: Deliver inclusive design that improves the travel experience of people with specific needs

• co-design facilities with disabled, elderly and protected-characteristic representative groups
• ensure step-free access, induction loops, tactile paving and contrast signage at stops and stations
• offer on-demand assistance bookings and staff training in accessible travel

Our area faces a number of challenges: 

Our planning

Transport must be integrated from the outset with housing, land-use, digital infrastructure and utilities. A vision-led approach is needed to avoid piecemeal, reactive schemes and ensure transport solutions support wider economic, social and environmental goals. 

Our funding

Core government grants, highways maintenance allocations, developer contributions and local revenues are all under pressure. Inconsistent, competitive funding streams make long-term, large-scale delivery difficult without new or sustained revenue mechanisms. 

Our grid capacity

Switching to electric vehicles and other zero-emission technologies depends on timely upgrades to local electricity networks. Current grid constraints and lengthy reinforcement lead-times threaten rollout of charging infrastructure and delay decarbonisation. 

Our behaviour

High car-ownership, cultural norms and perceived convenience reinforce private-vehicle use. Shifting travel habits requires reliable, affordable alternatives plus targeted education, incentives and community engagement to make sustainable choices realistic. 

Our network

Dorset has no motorways and limited north–south corridors, leading to congestion and unreliable journey times. Extreme weather from flooding to heatwaves, exposes vulnerabilities in roads, rail, bridges and drainage, demanding enhanced resilience planning. 

Our environment

Transport emissions exacerbate air-quality breaches, biodiversity loss and climate impacts on sensitive landscapes and health. Protecting habitats, reducing noise/light pollution and meeting net-zero targets hinge on proactive mitigation and greener transport interventions. 

We will track delivery of the LTP’s vision, objectives and policies through regular monitoring and five-yearly reviews of our Implementation Plan. 

After the LTP’s adoption in 2026, the first Monitoring Report will coincide with the end of the short-term plan (IP1) in 2031, with subsequent reports at the end of IP2 (2036) and IP3 (2041). 

These reports will assess scheme delivery, policy impact and overall effectiveness, and feed back into each 5-year plan update. 

Nine key metrics aligned to the six strategic objectives will be measured against a 2026 baseline: 

1. Carbon emissions from transport - Reduction in total and per-capita CO₂e. 
2. Air quality – Annual mean concentrations of NO₂, PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀. 
3. Levels of walking, wheeling and cycling – Counts at continuous and selected sites. 
4. Access to services, employment and leisure – Share of households within 30 minutes of a town/neighbourhood centre by public transport. 
5. Road casualties – Annual collision and casualty statistics. 
6. Network resilience – Journey-time reliability, traffic volumes (automated counts) and average delays on A-roads. 
7. Highway condition – Surveyed condition grades of principal, non-principal and unclassified roads and size of maintenance backlog. 
8. Public transport patronage and user satisfaction – Annual bus and rail passenger numbers; National Highways & Transport Survey results. 
9. Reliability of public transport services – Percentage of bus journeys arriving on time (real-time data vs timetables). 

Short-term (IP1: 2026–2031): mature, well-defined schemes ready for early delivery.

Medium-term (IP2: 2031–2036): projects requiring further development and design work.

Long-term (IP3: 2036–2041): transformational, complex initiatives needing sustained planning.

Prioritisation:

• longlist all potential schemes 
• sift by deliverability, maturity, clarity of scope 
• score against the LTP vision and objectives, carbon impact and funding readiness 
• balance by mode (active travel, public transport, roads) and scale of ambition 
• shortlist for IP1 if they offer early carbon savings and have clear funding sources; defer others to IP2/IP3 

Publish IP1 alongside LTP adoption in Spring 2026; update every 5 years.

Integrate with: 

• Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) 
• Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs/ATIPs) 
• Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plans (HIAMs) 
• Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPs) 
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategies 
• monitor progress and adapt IP2/IP3 in response to performance data and emerging opportunities 

Key risks:

• insecure or reduced funding streams 
• cost inflation or scope creep 
• shifts in government policy or legislation 
• challenges in achieving lasting behaviour change 
• rapid pace of technological evolution 
• delays in scheme development or delivery