Partners come together to shape the future of sustainable transport in Wiltshire

The forum showcased a wide range of initiatives designed to improve how people travel around Wiltshire, from walking, wheeling and cycling projects to bus service improvements, accessibilityplanning and support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities to travel independently.

Attendees heard how Wiltshire Council is working to strengthen active travel provision across the county, including plans backed by additional £1.5 million of Community Infrastructure Levy fundingover the next three years to help deliver new active travel infrastructure. The council is also working to improve its Active Travel England capability rating, helping to unlock future opportunities and investment.

Updates were also provided on bus services which support access to healthcare, education, employment and other essential destinations, alongside work to develop a new Bus Network AccessibilityPlan to improve journeys for disabled passengers.

The forum highlighted the importance of partnership working, with contributions from a wide range of organisations including the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, which is working to connect the Kennet& Avon Canal with the Thames and unlock new active travel opportunities. Speakers from public health, education, land-use planning, leisure, community engagement and transport specialists emphasised how collaborative approaches to sustainable travel can improvehealth, reduce inequalities, strengthen communities and support economic growth.

The Wiltshire Sustainable Transport Forum meets twice a year and provides an opportunity for organisations and community representatives to discuss challenges, share best practice and collaborateon creating a more connected, accessible and sustainable transport network for Wiltshire.

Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The Sustainable Transport Forum is all about bringing people together to share ideas, tackle challenges and help shapethe future of transport in Wiltshire. By working with our partners and communities, we can make it easier for people to travel safely, sustainably, and independently while supporting healthier and more connected communities.”