Planning for Transport, Physical and Digital Connectivity

Planning for Transport, Physical and Digital Connectivity Local Plan Objective 8 Aim: To improve connectivity across and between Buckinghamshire towns and villages with regional and national centres beyond, working in partnership across boundaries, by securing new sustainable transport infrastructure, upgrading existing infrastructure and improving digital connectivity. a) Maximise the connectivity opportunities presented by large-scale strategic transport schemes to focus the location of growth and encourage inward investment in Buckinghamshire. b) Create safe and attractive walking, wheeling and cycling routes as the natural choices for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey, for those who are able. c) Diversify, extend, and enhance public transport provision, including bus services and preparing for new types of transport to enable people to undertake car-free journeys. d) Create safe and accessible interchanges to and from public transport for walking, cycling and wheeling. e) Facilitate effective transport solutions for all users. f) Direct freight to the most appropriate routes and plan for sustainable freight activity and first mile / last mile solutions, in accordance with the Local Transport Plan. g) Support the provision of digital infrastructure, particularly in the most remote parts of Buckinghamshire. h) Deliver low or zero carbon fuel infrastructure through new development and the provision of charging infrastructure. 4.30 Buckinghamshire is served by major strategic road corridors, including sections of the M25, M4, and M40, alongside a network of A-roads connecting its main towns and neighbouring areas. However, modelling indicates that planned development will significantly increase traffic, particularly in Aylesbury and High Wycombe. Peak-time delays are expected to worsen, especially in the south during morning periods and around Aylesbury and surrounding areas in the evening. As many A-roads are already operating near capacity, future growth will need to carefully consider transport impacts and the ability to mitigate congestion. 4.31 Rail connectivity in Buckinghamshire is supported by key corridors such as the Chiltern Line, West Coast Main Line, and Great Western Main Line, including Crossrail. Despite this, access to rail services is uneven, with notable gaps between certain towns. Infrastructure constraints, funding limitations, and the need to balance long- and short-distance services affect provision. While East West Rail is under construction and will improve connectivity in the north, HS2—also under construction—passes through the county without stopping, creating challenges related to severance. 4.32 Public transport provision varies significantly across the county. Bus networks are relatively well developed in larger urban areas like High Wycombe, Aylesbury, and Amersham, but services between towns and in rural villages are often infrequent or absent. Low demand in rural areas makes it difficult to sustain viable services. The Bus Service Improvement Plan seeks to address this by enhancing networks and requiring new development to support or provide additional services, emphasising the need for a coordinated, multimodal transport approach in the Local Plan. 4.33 As a predominantly rural county, many residents rely on private cars due to limited alternatives, contributing to high carbon emissions and congestion. While the transition to electric vehicles may reduce air pollution, it will not resolve wider issues such as traffic levels, parking demand, or health impacts of car dependency. The Local Transport Plan (LTP5) aims to deliver a more balanced transport system by promoting active travel and public transport, particularly in locations with better access to services. The location of new development is critical, with growth in larger towns offering greater potential to minimise additional traffic and support sustainable travel patterns. 4.34 Digital connectivity is also an essential component of Buckinghamshire’s infrastructure network and economic competitiveness. Reliable high-speed broadband, mobile coverage and nextgeneration digital infrastructure support businesses, home working, access to services, education and innovation. While much of Buckinghamshire benefits from good digital connectivity, coverage can be more limited in some rural areas. The Local Plan will support the delivery and upgrading of digital infrastructure, including full-fibre broadband, mobile networks and emerging technologies, to ensure that residents and businesses across Buckinghamshire can participate fully in the digital economy and reduce the need to travel for some activities.