Cabinet will consider the outcome of the recent Active Travel consultation – which saw 146 responses and has resulted in several changes to the draft Network Map that outlines future aspirations for local walking and cycling routes within Rhondda Cynon Taf.
On Monday, December 13, Cabinet will consider a report outlining feedback from the extensive consultation, which was held across 14 weeks between August and November 2021. Appendices to the report include information on respondents’ demographics, the Council’s response to each query raised, and how the Active Travel Network Map has been amended as a result of specific queries.
The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 requires local authorities to consult, plan and develop its network of walking and cycling routes. Each council must produce an Active Travel Network Map which sets out its aspirations for new routes, and improvements to the existing provision. Its focus is on facilitating walking and cycling for everyday journeys as a realistic alternative to driving.
The 14-week consultation was the third recent opportunity for residents to formally have their say on the Active Travel provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf and has sought to use their local knowledge to further update the Network Map. Residents were able to access the Map using a dedicated consultation website, and leave comments to highlight any queries or suggestions to Officers.
Public engagement events were hosted in 10 communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where residents were able to book a face-to-face meeting with Officers. Further targeted engagement also took place with key stakeholders, Wicid TV (via the Youth Engagement and Participation Service), the Council’s Citizens’ Panel, Councillors, neighbouring Local Authorities and Town/Community Councils.
The 146 responses cover a wide range of issues, and the relevant Appendix to Monday’s Cabinet report shows how these have informed 16 amendments to the current Active Travel Network Map. Additionally, some of the queries were not necessary in line with the Active Travel legislation, but have been sent to the relevant Council department for further consideration.
During Monday’s meeting, Cabinet Members could agree for the updated Active Travel Network Map and supporting documents to be submitted to Welsh Government by December 31. A further appendix to the Cabinet report outlines the priority of each scheme – ranging from delivery in the short-term (up to 5 years), medium-term (5-10 years) and long-term (15 years).
The Cabinet report, including all of the appendices, is included here.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The Council recently concluded an extensive period of consultation for its Active Travel provision, where residents were invited to view the Network Map, which highlighted current and future walking and cycling routes, and have their say on any aspect of our proposals. This included the opportunity for face-to-face meetings in 10 community locations across the County Borough.
“Active Travel has rightly been made a priority by Welsh Government, as it has so many benefits from improving health and well-being to helping us protect the environment. Each of the 146 responses received during the consultation were considered by Officers, and this has informed the latest round of changes to our Network Map. The Cabinet report contains our response to every query, whether or not it resulted in any amendments.
“Cabinet will shortly consider the responses to the Active Travel consultation, and could agree for the updated version of the Network Map to be considered as the final submission to Welsh Government, which is due to be sent by the end of the year. I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation, to help shape this important document which, if agreed by Cabinet, will act as a blueprint for future walking and cycling provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf.”
Posted on 10/12/2021