Policy context

LTP guidance

We continue to track new developments and ensure the LTP delivery is developing in line with these new policies and strategies.

New LTP guidance was first raised by government in 2021. The expectation was the DfT would publish Quantifiable Carbon Reduction (QCR) guidance alongside this. 

At the time of writing the LTP, QCR guidance has not yet been published and we have not received a date for its release. Once we have the QCR guidance we'll assess any implications for the LTP.

Second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy

The Second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (July 2022) outlines the government's ambition to make cycling and walking the natural choices for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey, by 2040.

The objectives of the strategy are to:

• Increase the percentage of short walking or cycling journeys in towns and cities
• Increase walking
• Double cycling
• Increase the percentage of children aged 5 to 10 who usually walk to school.

NCC has developed a Walking, Wheeling and Cycling strategy. Cabinet adopted this in April 2024.

Transport East Transport Strategy

The Transport East Transport Strategy 2023-2050 (Feb 2023) sets out a pathway to deliver each of their priorities for the East, create a net zero carbon transport network and connect our growing towns and cities. NCC endorsed this strategy.

Clean Hydrogen Strategy

NCC is working with partners across the environment, energy and transport sectors to develop new policies and trial new technologies to future proof the county and prepare for the county's net zero targets. 

Led by South Norfolk and Broadland Council, the Clean Hydrogen Strategy project will develop a clean hydrogen strategy for the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor (CNTC) area. This will drive delivery of a clean hydrogen economy and support Norfolk's wider progress towards net zero.

Greater Norwich Growth Board strategies

In 2022, the Greater Norwich Growth Board (GNGB) began developing a new Greater Norwich Green Infrastructure Strategy. This will replace the 2007 Strategy. 

It aims to support the protection, enhancement, and creation of green infrastructure in Greater Norwich. The strategy will be built on an understanding of the green and blue spaces in the area. It will identify future opportunities for green infrastructure (GI) provision and enhancement. 

The GNGB has also been working closely with regional and national partners such as Sports England, to develop the Greater Norwich Physical Activity and Sports Strategy (PASS). The GNGB accepted the strategy at their meeting on 6 October 2022. 

Highway and Transport Network Performance report

NCC's Infrastructure and Development Select Committee receives an annual Highway and Transport Network Performance report. Read the latest report from July 2023. 

The Select Committee will receive the 2024 report shortly. This includes more detailed updates for Objective 7: A Well Managed and Maintained Transport Network. 

We must monitor the performance of our highway assets to spend our budgets appropriately, react to changing circumstances and use the money where it is most needed.

Norfolk County Council Climate Strategy

The NCC adopted its Climate Strategy in May 2023.  It comprehensively sets out NCC's priorities for climate action, demonstrating the council's commitment and approach to supporting Norfolk's clean, green and resilient growth. The Climate Policy was endorsed in March 2024, bringing out the key strategic priorities set out in the Climate Strategy for each focus area.

Strategic Road Network Initial Report

National Highways published its Strategic Road Network Initial Report in May 2023. It's a very future-focused document. It consciously adopts an investment policy based on carbon emission reduction and a desire to prepare the network so it can support future connected roads and autonomous (self-driving) vehicles. 

The consultation on this document is informing the Government's draft Road Investment Strategy (RIS3). RIS3 (pipeline of project up to 2030), will continue to be developed in line with statutory processes and for consideration for potential inclusion during RIS4 (beyond 2030).

Future of Transport and Plan for Drivers

There were several policies and guidance documents released in 2023. These include the policy paper Future of Transport (October 2023). It outlines the benefits of technology and innovation in rural transport and the importance of transport in boosting quality of life in rural communities. 

The Plan for Drivers (October 2023) also highlights the importance of rural mobility. It accepts that for those in rural areas cars are a lifeline. The Plan for Drivers encourages smoother journeys as well as more support for electric vehicle infrastructure in the transition to zero emission driving.

Network North

Projects that will be financially supported by Network North were announced in October 2023. These are part of a £36 billion plan to improve the transport that people use every day. Network North projects of benefit to Norfolk include Ely Area Enhancements. This is a strategic priority in the Norfolk Local Transport Plan 4 as it provides for extra passenger and freight rail services. 

The Government also indicated in the Network North announcements that it would look to provide 100% funding to projects like the Norwich Western Link. However, this has yet to get confirmation.

National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) had an update in December 2023. It's relevant to LTP Policy 7 relating to air quality.  We reviewed this update as part of the LTP and it does not include large changes to the requirement on new developments to tackle air quality.

In July 2024 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced they are consulting on the NPPF. This is to seek views on potential revisions to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system.

Automated Vehicles Act

The 2024 Automated Vehicles Act (May 2024) provides a robust legal framework for the safe implementation of self-driving cars. The Act is a framework that requires further regulations on various technical and operational matters. It proposed that self-driving vehicles could be on British roads by 2026.

King's Speech

Following the General Election in early July 2024, the King's Speech (17 July 2024) contained 40 proposed bills. These included a Planning and Infrastructure Bill, Passenger Railway Services (public ownership) Bill, Rail Reform Bill and Better Buses Bill. 

We look forward to working with government and the districts to deliver clean and reliable public transport and a transport network fit for the future.