The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This section introduces the transport chapter. It explains that good road, rail, bus, walking, cycling and digital links are vital to the district's economy, environment and social wellbeing. Car ownership in Three Rivers is high, traffic is forecast to grow by 15.6% by 2031, and there are existing congestion problems. The plan aims to put new development where people can realistically use public transport, walking and cycling, working with Hertfordshire County Council, National Highways and other transport providers.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
What the plan says
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
12 Transport and Connections
Sustainable Transport and Travel
12.1 High quality transport connections, both physical by road, rail, bus, walking, cycling;
or digital are vital to the district’s future sustainability, economic prosperity and social
inclusiveness. These connections provide access to education, health centre ,
employment, business, retail and leisure opportunities and can support sustainable
lifestyles and opportunities.
12.2 The Local Plan sets out to make sure that new development is located in the right
places to benefit from access by a variety of sustainable transport modes. However,
facilitating sustainable economic growth and supporting the growth needed in the
district also requires development of sustainable transport networks and connections
to ensure that they provide an effective, efficient and high -quality network with
efficient public transport, attractive and suitable routes and choices for pedestrians
and cyclists, a safe road network and modern digital infrastructure.
12.3 Three Rivers is well served by communication links. However, car ownership levels
are high and car usage increasingly dominates patterns of movement in the district.
Traffic levels in the district are forecast to grow by 15.6% by 2031 and there are
existing local congestion problems. Increased congestion and car use could
undermine the economic growth of the district and harm the quality of the
environment and social well-being.
Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy
12.4 An efficient, comprehensive and sustainable transport system is an essential element
in supporting the district’s economic competitiveness, meeting targets for reducing
CO2 emissions and enabling the delivery of sustainable development. Promoting
sustainable transport modes will help re-balance the focus to those modes that have
lower emissions and contribute to creating a higher quality environment across the
district.
12.5 Hertfordshire County Council has produced a Growth and Transport Plan (GTP) for
South West Hertfordshire, which identifies some of the transport interventions that
will be needed to support and help facilitate sustainable development within the South
West Hertfordshire area, including in Three Rivers.
12.6 While Three Rivers District is not responsible for the transport network, the location
of new development may have a significant impact on transport and travel and the
travel choices made.
12.7 The spatial strategy seeks to direct development to the areas with greatest access to
public transport, services and facilities, which should contribute to reducing the need
to travel and journey lengths, and prioritise the use of public transport, walking and
cycling as realistic alternatives to the car.
12.8 The council is also working with Hertfordshire County Council, National Highways
and other transport providers to provide a co -ordinated and enhanced transport
system which improves connectivity and transport services to and between
settlements within Three Rivers, to key destinat