Draft transport plan labelled 'bureaucratic jargon' by Biggleswade councillors

The document is being produced by Central Bedfordshire Council, with the public consultation period ending on Sunday. (Sept 20th) All responses will be “carefully considered” before the plan is finalised, CBC has promised.

This draft LTP4 is a high-level strategic document, required under the Transport Act 2000, according to a report to the town council.

“It sets out the core policies and overall approach to transport and travel across Central Bedfordshire,” said the report.

Town councillor Madeline Russell explained: “Within the aspirations and issues CBC wants to address within its local transport plan, there’s no mention of a possible underpass of the A1 at Biggleswade.

“We desperately need to get this recognised formally by CBC. The key is the town council and Northill Parish Council request that delivery of a safe crossing along the route of footpath seven is added to the emerging local transport plan.

“We should submit this, with the parish council doing likewise, as part of the formal response to the consultation. It’s in no way our whole reply, as this (plan) should also have in its emerging policies to work with National Highways to find a solution for the A1 in Bedfordshire.”

Town councillor Gary Barnett suggested: “This document doesn’t mention improving the flow of traffic, reducing travel times or relieving pinch points.

“To me that’s the whole point of a transport plan. This talks about ‘vision and data-led prioritising of the most viable’ and taking ‘a holistic approach’. It’s all consultants’ jargon.

“The key things are to surely address and improve the roads, the buses, the traffic and the whole set-up. It feels as if these points are being missed in what they’re trying to achieve.”

Town councillor Duncan Strachan added: “This is a load of bureaucratic jargon to satisfy government diktat.

“It says nothing in real terms. This is words for the sake of words. The objectives talk about getting people (travelling) safely, although it could take ten years to get down the road.

“It’s about getting people from A to B safely and causing as little pollution as possible, that’s absolutely right. But there’s nothing in terms of a plan as to how to achieve it.”

Mayor Jonathan Woodhead confirmed: “There’s nothing to stop councillors commenting on the survey as members of the public.” The council unanimously agreed to include the A1 issues in its response.

CBC’s executive member for finance and highways and Independent Aspley and Woburn councillor John Baker said in a statement: “We welcome feedback on the draft LTP4 and encourage everyone to take part in the consultation before it closes this weekend.

“The plan sets out a long-term vision for a safer, more sustainable and better-connected transport network. It balances the need to reduce congestion and improve journeys, with investment in public transport, active travel and wider environmental objectives.

“We’ll carefully consider all consultation responses, before finalising the plan.”