What is 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.

    Why is Gloucestershire County Council developing an updated Local Transport Plan?

    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.

    How is the Local Transport Plan being developed?

    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.

    Why is this called engagement and not consultation?

    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.

    How were the challenges identified?

    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.

    Who decides whether the Local Transport Plan is adopted?

    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.

    What does this mean for me? What about car journeys?

    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.

    Will the Plan improve public transport?

    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.

    What types of transport does the Local Transport Plan cover?

    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.

    Will the Local Transport Plan affect my local area?

     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.

    How will transport priorities be decided?

     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.

    How will transport improvements be funded?

     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.

    When will transport improvements happen?

    The Local Transport Plan sets the long-term vision and delivery priorities for transport in Gloucestershire.

    Some improvements may be delivered in the short term, while others will take longer to plan, fund and deliver.

    Future transport investment will be guided by the Local Transport Plan and funding availability.

    How does the Local Transport Plan relate to new housing and development?

    Transport plays an important role in supporting new housing and development.

    The Local Transport Plan will help guide future transport investment to support sustainable and well-designed new development and ensure communities have access to services and opportunities.

    What is the vision for transport in Gloucestershire?

    The Local Transport Plan will be guided by a clear vision:

    A better-connected Gloucestershire where transport supports everyone’s needs, our environment flourishes and growth is sustainable.

    This vision recognises the important role transport plays in connecting communities, supporting businesses and protecting the environment. It reflects the need for a transport network that works for residents, businesses and visitors, and for both built up and rural areas across Gloucestershire.

    This engagement will help ensure the vision reflects your local priorities and everyday travel experiences.

    What do we mean by delivery priorities?

    To deliver the vision, the Local Transport Plan will focus on three delivery priorities:

    1. A well connected and prosperous Gloucestershire

    2. A green and healthy Gloucestershire

    3. A Gloucestershire which supports local communities

    Why are you asking for feedback now?

    This engagement is an opportunity to understand your experiences of the transport network today and your priorities for the future.

    This includes seeking views on the proposed vision and delivery priorities.

    Your feedback will help to:

    • Further develop the vision and delivery priorities 
    • Inform future transport planning and investment priorities 
    • Support continued work on the draft Local Transport Plan

    Will there be another chance to comment?

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

    How will my feedback be used?

    Feedback gathered through this engagement will be reviewed alongside technical evidence and stakeholder input.

    Your feedback will help ensure the future transport network reflects the needs of Gloucestershire’s communities.

    How can I provide feedback?

    The best way to provide feedback is to complete our online survey. Or you can also come along to one of our online and in-person drop in events. Please check the webpage for further information.

    If you have any problems or are struggling to provide feedback, please let us know.