Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on what they consider to be the big transport opportunities and issues across the whole of Dorset.
BCP Council and Dorset Council are running a survey to gather feedback and experiences.
It runs from Monday 22 January, to Sunday 3 March.
People are being asked what they think are the key opportunities and issues to help the councils develop a new joint Local Transport Plan to travel easily around the county, whilst protecting its special landscape.
This will help shape the changes needed for a safer, more efficient and sustainable network for years to come.
The survey covers a range of transport related topics, such as:
- Improving transport in rural areas and reducing congestion
- Ensuring all ages and abilities can access services
- Making it easier for people to be more physically active
- Providing more opportunities for affordable, available and accessible public transport
- Helping people feel safer on our roads and on public transport
- Improving digital and real-time travel information
This work plays an essential role in helping the councils understand the different transport needs of the diverse communities who live and work in Dorset.
It will also ensure the councils can secure more national government funding for the improvements people want to see.
The survey is open for six weeks as part of the consultation process with paper copies available at Dorset Council and BCP Council libraries.
As well as the survey, there will be a series of roadshow style events held at venues across the county throughout January and February for people to share ideas and find out more.
Details of the locations, dates and times are:
- Monday 29 January – Weymouth Library, 2pm to 6pm
- Thursday 1 February – Ferndown Library, 10am to 2pm
- Monday 5 February – Wareham Library, 1pm to 5pm
- Thursday 8 February – Blandford Library, 10am to 2pm
- Monday 12 February – Poole Library, 1pm to 5pm
- Friday 16 February – Kinson Library, 1pm to 5pm
- Saturday 17 February – Bridport Library, 10am to 2pm
- Monday 19 February – Bournemouth Library, 2pm to 6pm
- 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
The analysis of all the feedback received will take place during the spring, and reporting will follow in the summer.
Cllr Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “This joint plan will set out how transport is delivered to meet some of the demanding challenges facing the area, covering all types, as well as road safety and maintenance.
“The new plan is needed to ensure we can travel safely and easily, whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting the landscape that makes BCP and Dorset so special.
“All this must be done while maintaining economic growth and improving transport choices, accessibility, and experiences for all.”
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment for Dorset Council, said: “This is a joint plan that will be formed by the different needs of all residents and businesses in Dorset.
“We want to hear your views and valuable feedback to help our future transport system meet the expectations of everyone, and the challenges facing the area.
“This is where your journey begins to help us shape a better transport network across Dorset, so please do complete the survey.”
The survey, along with all the information you need on the Local Transport Plan can be found online here.