Transport is a crucial element of modern society. What we do, where we work - even what we eat - are all affected by the way people and goods are moved.
However, transport also has undesirable effects on local communities and businesses, as well as the wider environment.
Gateshead is undergoing significant renewal, moving away from the legacy of traditional coal mining and heavy engineering industries towards a more modern, broadly based economy.
An effective transport network has an important role to play in underpinning this successful regeneration, and in meeting the aspirations of local people for a more economically prosperous, socially inclusive and sustainable area.
However unless action is taken, traffic growth, increased congestion and a further decline in public transport could too easily become obstacle to achieving economic, social and environmental aims, rather than a means of providing active support to them.
The overall transport strategy for Tyne and Wear, including Gateshead, is currently set out in the statutory Local Transport Plan ( LTP ) for 2006 to 2011. This document has been agreed by the five local authorities in the County, and the Passenger Transport Authority ( PTA ).
The purpose of the ‘Gateshead Transport Strategy Statement’ is to:
-
develop the approach outlined in the LTP in the light of the specific transport issues which need to be addressed in Gateshead;
-
allow the council to give a view on transport issues not usually included in documents such as the LTP, but which are important to the council and the community it serves.