FAQs About the Local Transport Plan

All local transport authorities in England prepare Local Transport Plans. They set out how transport will be managed and improved in the area over the long term.

The Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan will:

• Set the overall vision and priorities for transport in the county
• Guide future transport investment and funding decisions 
• Help improve access to jobs, education and essential services 
• Support sustainable economic growth 
• Help create safer, healthier and better-connected communities

The current Local Transport Plan was adopted in 2021. Since then, Gloucestershire has continued to grow and travel needs have changed. We are now developing an updated Local Transport Plan to ensure transport continues to support residents, businesses and communities into the future.

The updated Local Transport Plan will guide how transport is planned, managed and improved across Gloucestershire over the next 15 years and beyond.

Our current Local Transport Plan is now more than five years old. National guidance on what plans should include has also changed. We are now updating the Plan to reflect new priorities and expectations.

Gloucestershire is growing and changing. New homes, changes in population and expanding employment areas are increasing demand on our transport network. There are also existing challenges affecting how people travel around the county.

More broadly, our transport network must respond to a changing climate. This means reducing emissions, cleaner air and ensuring transport in Gloucestershire is resilient to more frequent extreme weather events.

The updated Local Transport Plan will help ensure the transport network supports Gloucestershire’s future growth while responding to the big challenges we face now and in the future.

We are developing the Local Transport Plan in stages.

This current stage is early engagement. It focuses on understanding people’s experiences of the transport network, the challenges they face, and their priorities for the future. This includes seeking views on the proposed vision and delivery priorities.

Feedback from this engagement will be used alongside technical evidence and stakeholder input to further develop the draft Local Transport Plan.

There will be a formal public consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan later in 2026 before it is finalised and adopted.

This stage is early engagement to understand people’s experiences, challenges and priorities.

There will be a formal public consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan later in 2026 before it is finalised and adopted.

The Local Transport Plan is being developed using transport data, technical evidence and early engagement.

This has included a review of:

• Traffic and travel patterns 
• Public transport performance and usage 
• Access to services and connectivity 
• Road safety data 
• Population, housing and economic trends

We have also worked with elected Members, transport operators, local authorities and partner organisations.

This public engagement builds on that work by seeking feedback from residents, businesses and communities.

These challenges have informed the proposed vision and delivery priorities.

Gloucestershire County Council is responsible for preparing and adopting the Local Transport Plan.

Before it is adopted, there will be a formal public consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan later in 2026.

Feedback from engagement and consultation will be reviewed alongside technical evidence and stakeholder input before the Plan is finalised.

Many people rely on cars for their daily journeys, especially in rural areas where other options may be limited.

At the same time, not everyone has access to a car, which can make it harder to get around.

It is important that Gloucestershire’s transport network reflects the needs of different communities and circumstances.

Evidence and early engagement suggest there may be opportunities to improve how people and goods move across Gloucestershire, including public transport connectivity, access to services and opportunities, and local travel connections.

Feedback from this engagement will help identify priorities for future improvements.

The Local Transport Plan covers all forms of transport in Gloucestershire, including:

• Roads • Buses and rail • Walking, wheeling and cycling • Freight and goods movement • Transport infrastructure and services

It sets out how the transport network will be planned, managed and improved across the county.

 The Local Transport Plan covers the whole of Gloucestershire from our rural communities to more built-up areas.

Different parts of Gloucestershire face different challenges, and future improvements will need to reflect local needs.

Your feedback will help identify the priorities that matter most in your area.

 Funding for transport improvements needs to be prioritised to make best use of the money available. It is important to prioritise investment where it will have the greatest benefit.

Future priorities will be informed by:

· Technical evidence

· Engagement feedback

· Safety and accessibility needs

· Local and national priorities

· Funding availability

· Filling gaps in the network and meeting demand

This engagement will help identify the priorities that matter most to people and communities across Gloucestershire.

 Funding for transport improvements needs to be prioritised to make best use of the money available.

Transport improvements may be funded through a combination of:

• Government 
• funding Local funding 
• Developer contributions 
• Other funding opportunities

Future priorities will be informed by technical evidence, feedback and funding availability.