13.2 Principles for Road Development
Principle 5 calling for reallocation of road space within bypassed urban areas to sustainable transport and/or public realm improvements for future road schemes is welcomed. It is imperative that the budget is allocated from the outset to allow the provision of these improvements in tandem with the provision of the road scheme. Lack of budget to allow the provision of these improvements will only lead to a car-centric road scheme against the policy of reduction of car growth.
13.5 Regional and Local Roads
It would seem more appropriate if the recommendation that confirmation of consistency with the Transport Strategy is obtained from the NTA in advance of a road authority seeking development consent for a particular road scheme is a requirement rather than a recommendation. Inability to access exchequer grants for road schemes that are not in accordance with the principles set out in Measure ROAD9 (Regional and Local Roads Policy) will hopefully prevent inappropriate road schemes but a mere “recommendation” may not be adequate to prevent all.
13.6 Urban Roads and Streets
The shift in focus to a place-based approach to urban streets is welcome.