Introduction

The LTP includes a range of actions to drive the delivery of its aims and objectives. Each year we deliver a breadth of projects that deliver positive outcomes for Norfolk, and this report will provide a delivery update.

A variety of factors drive the delivery of the LTP, including funding and resources. These can act as barriers to innovation, but working across the service, we've been successful in a variety of funding applications

We'll continue to actively seek out opportunities, work collaboratively with partners and across internal departments, and work with external partners more widely.

Monitoring delivery of projects

Since its adoption, we've continued to monitor the delivery of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) actions. The actions are set against 22 policies across the seven objectives:

• Delivering a sustainable Norfolk
• Enhancing connectivity
• Enhancing Norfolk's quality of life·
• Increasing accessibility
• Improving transport safety
• A well-managed and maintained transport network

This report provides a summary of progress against each of the LTP4 objectives/themes. It shows the delivery highlights of projects and services that contribute to the objectives since the adoption of the LTP in July 2022 to the end of July 2024.

The monitoring chapters will give a summary of the policies under the seven objectives as well as the delivery highlights. Through LTP4 monitoring we can better understand how to target effort, prioritise resources and seek external funding when it's available.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

The Strategic Environmental Directive requires that we conduct a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for any new plan, policy or programme. It's best practice to complete annual monitoring reports. 

We undertook a Sustainability Appraisal of LTP4 alongside its development. This included the requirements of SEA but covered a spectrum of social, environmental and economic matters. WSP completed the SEA for 2023/24 as they have considerable expertise and experience in the matter. #

Work is under way on the report for 2023/24. The intention is to publish this in the autumn. It can take several months from the end of the financial year before data is published and available for all indicators).

Monitoring of SEA targets and voluntary performance indicators takes place across the authority. These indicators relate to the delivery and impact of the LTP. Indicators have the potential to change depending on shifting priorities at a national or local level.

Monitoring allows an examination of changes to indicators to understand how, or if, transport is positively or negatively affecting them. It also allows us to understand if objectives are being met and helps influence future delivery programmes.

Project highlights

There have been a great number of projects developed, delivered and completed since the adoption of LTP4 in 2022. 

ZEBRA scheme in Norwich

A highlight in this period was the joint bid with First Bus to the Department for Transport (DfT) for funding from the 'Zero Emission Bus Regional Area' (ZEBRA) scheme. The DfT confirmed funding of £3.3 million in March 2022. It confirmed an extra £11.4 million funding in early 2023.

This means a total of 70 zero-emission buses are now operating in Norwich, representing half of the First Bus fleet. Roundtree Way bus depot is now one of the first two fully electric bus depots outside of London.  

School Streets trial

In 2022, Sustrans delivered the School Streets trial in partnership with us. We worked closely with schools, families and local communities. 

This trial offered a chance to explore a new way to tackle known congestion and safety issues around schools. These are problems faced by many communities across the county. It is through trials such as this that we can make informed decisions about investment.

Major road schemes

The development and delivery of major schemes has also been a highlight of the period, enhancing strategic connections across the county. 

The DfT approved the A10 West Winch Housing Access Road (WWHAR) Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) in July 2022. We submitted the Outline Business Case (OBC) to the DfT in September 2023. 

Norwich Western Link and Long Stratton Bypass also had good progress in the period. Delivery on the ground has commenced for the Long Stratton bypass. This is necessary to improve journeys on the major A140 corridor as well as for significant housing growth in the town. We develop these schemes by working collaboratively with district councils through each stage and work will continue to completion.

King's Lynn STARS

In August 2022, we submitted a £24.1m bid to the Government's Levelling Up Fund. We announced its success in January 2023. This funding will go towards the £26.8m King's Lynn Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme (STARS). 

Working closely with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, the STARS project will transform the historic Southgates area. It will act as a catalyst for regeneration in the area and improve the outdated gyratory road system.

Improvements to Wymondham rail station

In 2024 we made a successful application, in partnership with Greater Anglia, to Access for All accessibility funding for improvements to Wymondham Rail Station. 

This will allow for further feasibility work on making the station fully accessible. The aim is for everyone to be able to access both platforms without using steps. Providing the feasibility work shows value for  money, this will progress to design and build.