Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: ‘We are committed to Hampshire being carbon neutral by the year 2050. With 37% or more of all carbon generated by the way we travel, it’s important that we all work towards enabling greener ways to get around so that we can go beyond the national ambition for 50% or more of all short journeys, to be walked or cycled. This draft plan sets out how this might be achieved across the New Forest area and is a first and necessary step that will support securing the funding from Government to deliver this ambition locally.
‘Whether you are a New Forest resident, business, visitor or other interested party, telling us what you think of the plan, through this survey is your chance to inform proposals to help make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in the area.’
This LCWIP sets out the ambition for investment in walking and cycling for the next ten years and proposes an extensive network of cycle routes across the area together with walking zones for the main residential settlements.
Having your say
Feedback on the routes and areas proposed in the consultation can be provided via the online survey on the County Council’s website.Working in partnership
This LCWIP has been prepared in partnership with, and part funded by, New Forest District Council, the New Forest National Park Authority and Forestry England.Commenting, Councillor Jill Cleary, Leader of New Forest District Council said: ‘A key priority of this Council is to empower our residents to live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives, and enable people to enjoy our unique New Forest environment. We are also keen to promote more sustainable transport options for people in how they travel across the New Forest. Improving walking and cycling infrastructure across the New Forest will help to enable this and this draft Plan sets out a series of proposals and opportunities to guide future investment which we are keen to hear views on.’
Professor Gavin Parker, New Forest National Park Authority Board member and chair of the Recreation Management Strategy steering group said: ‘The LCWIP sets out a plan for New Forest walking and cycling that will both help us protect the special qualities of the New Forest while enhancing active travel in the National Park.
‘It meets many objectives of the New Forest Partnership Plan including responsible recreation management, encouraging more sustainable transport to reduce carbon emissions, and providing better and more inclusive ways to travel around and access the Forest to benefit health and well-being.’
Craig Harrison, Forest Management Director, Forestry England, South Forest District commented: ‘We are fortunate to have some amazing places to get outdoors across the county. Spending time in nature not only improves health and wellbeing, but getting there by bike or on foot also has huge environmental benefits. It’s key that people can find routes near them whether they are using these for a daily commute, leisure or exercise. Providing access is key whilst still protecting these special landscapes.
‘This consultation is an opportunity to have a say on how walking and cycling could be made easier, more environmentally friendly, and accessible. We encourage people to share their thoughts and ideas and help inform plans to routes in the coming years.’
LCWIPs will be key to the delivery of the County Council’s recently adopted Local Transport Plan – which aims to influence and shape the way people travel over the next ten or more years, and boost economic prosperity, reduce carbon pollution, help promote healthy lifestyles and build stronger communities.
Local Transport Plan
