Planning a journey in Somerset? Think Travel is a new one-stop travel information site to help more access public and community transport.

Think Travel

Use the map to have your say on active travel in both your local area and across Somerset, including the barriers which reduce your travel choices.

Somerset Local Transport Plan

Here in Somerset, we’re in the early stages of writing a new Local Transport Plan. Active travel is an important element of the plan, which will enable everyone to enjoy healthy, safe, low carbon travel choices and contribute to our climate change ambitions. 

Using the map below, have your say on active travel in both your local area and across Somerset, including the barriers which reduce your travel choices. For example, what prevents you from walking, wheeling and cycling in your community? 

Your comments will be used to inform the development of our Local Transport Plan, making sure Somerset’s streets are welcoming places for everyone.

Help us design safer, cleaner school streets for Frome

Frome School Streets (Survey)

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1632143467/projects/wknmyd5dmcgz431ruos2.jpg" style="width: 500px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><a href="https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/your-community/sustainability-and-resilience/sustainable-transport/school-streets/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/your-community/sustainability-and-resilience/sustainable-transport/school-streets/</a>Frome Town Council are working with Somerset County Council and Sustrans, relaunching an exciting project called Frome School Streets. The project was put on hold last year and now we would like to work with you to ensure a workable solution to safer streets around our schools.&nbsp;We are exploring making the streets around Oakfield Academy, Trinity First School, Critchill School, Avanti Park School and Bright Stars nursery safer for people to walk, cycle or scoot to, by creating &lsquo;School Streets&rsquo; and we would like your help. &lsquo;School Streets&rsquo; create safer and less congested roads by prioritising walking and cycling while limiting vehicular through-traffic.&nbsp;With your help, let&rsquo;s design streets that encourage more families to walk, scoot and cycle to school, while maintaining access for anyone who lives and works in the area. These interventions will help reduce air pollution, enable social distancing and create child friendly streets.We have identified Oakfield Road, Somerset Road and the top of Nunney Road as a potential School Street because it links 5 schools with over 1500 pupils - Oakfield Academy, Trinity and Critchill School, with the Avanti Park School and Bright Stars nursery nearby, to Victoria Park and runs along the NCN24 cycle route.<a href="https://frometowncouncil.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0c45ed5e79985fbd54a6f1875&id=0d2ade47f2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To sign up for School Streets updates from Frome Town Council, follow this link</a>

Please share your views with us

Fill out our questionnaire and get the chance to win an £100 voucher.

Fill out our questionnaire!

<h1>Fill out our Questionnaire!</h1>It was great to speak to many of you at the Bridgwater Active Travel Day &nbsp;and a big thank you to those who responded to our questionnaire about your travel habits.If you weren&rsquo;t able to attend but are interested in sharing your thoughts in our questionnaire, please find the online version here:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://buff.ly/3sYK6tX&source=gmail&ust=1654859853888000&usg=AOvVaw1ujxtWex0ecD71GCEEjYPW" href="https://buff.ly/3sYK6tX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://buff.ly/3sYK6tX</a>By completing the questionnaire, you&rsquo;ll have the opportunity to be entered into our prize draw to win a &pound;100 St John Street Cycles voucher!<a href="https://buff.ly/3sYK6tX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1654773806/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/huwaabb3wp3taqfbdkie.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a>&nbsp;

Have your say on the creation of a safer walking and cycling route in the east of Yeovil.

Lyde Road Strategic Cycleway

South Somerset District Council are working with Somerset County Council to create a Strategic Cycleway which connects Pen Mill Station to the A359, Mudford Road mainly using the route of Lyde Road. This route will provide access to safer walking and cycling paths in the East of Yeovil. It will connect to existing routes allowing access to a range of commercial and residential areas.We are building this in three phases with the first of these planned to run from Howard Road to St Johns Road connecting to the existing cycleways provided in that area. We have already consulted those along the route and hope to start building in 2022.The second phase will connect the first section from the Great Mead roundabout to the A359, Mudford Road. The final phase will connect from Howard Road via Camborne Grove to the station. &nbsp;This will in total provide a route which links up with a route direct into the town centre.&nbsp;<a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1638548238/projects/somersetsustainabletransport/designed_lyde_road_map.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to see the Design for Lyde road Map</a>

View and have your say on Taunton's Local Cycling and Infrastructure Plan. 

Taunton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

<a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1638445708/projects/somersetsustainabletransport/Taunton_LCWIP_1_Final_Oct_21.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to view the Taunton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan</a>Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are focused, 10-year plans for developing major new safe cycling and walking routes in the county to help create greener, healthier and more active streets. They support the Government&#39;s ambition to make cycling and walking a more natural choice for shorter journeys and to double the levels of cycling by 2025. &nbsp;The plans have been developed in partnership with cycle campaign groups, district, town and parish councils, with the aim to secure funding over the next decade for significant new safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians across Somerset&#39;s towns.&nbsp;These are evolving plans which will continue to develop over time, with the views and suggestions from the public central to the process.&nbsp;If you would like to comment on the LCWIP for Taunton, please let us know your thoughts below. &nbsp;We will use your feedback to help us update the plan over the coming year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

View and have your say on Yeovil's Local Cycling and Infrastructure Plan.

Yeovil Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

<a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1638445688/projects/somersetsustainabletransport/Yeovil_LCWIP_1_Final_Oct_2021.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yeovil Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan</a>Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are focused, 10-year plans for developing major new safe cycling and walking routes in the county to help create greener, healthier and more active streets. They support the Government&#39;s ambition to make cycling and walking a more natural choice for shorter journeys and to double the levels of cycling by 2025. &nbsp;The plans have been developed in partnership with cycle campaign groups, district, town and parish councils, with the aim to secure funding over the next decade for significant new safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians across Somerset&#39;s towns.&nbsp;These are evolving plans which will continue to develop over time, with the views and suggestions from the public central to the process.&nbsp;If you would like to comment on the LCWIP for Yeovil, please let us know your thoughts below. &nbsp;We will use your feedback to help us update the plan over the coming year.&nbsp;

View and have your say on Bridgwater's Local Cycling and Infrastructure plan.

Bridgwater Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

Check out the following documents

<a aria-label="Bridgwater Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan - opens in new tab" data-uw-pdf-br="1" data-uw-pdf-doc="" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1653312934/media-upload/somersetsustainabletransport/Bridgwater%20LCWIP%20First%20Publication%20May%2022.pdf/rqdt0cgcrga1whh1023b.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1653312934/media-upload/somersetsustainabletransport/bridgwater%20lcwip%20first%20publication%20may%2022.pdf/rqdt0cgcrga1whh1023b.pdf$bridgwaterlocalcyclingandwalkinginfrastructureplan">Bridgwater Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan</a>Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are focused, 10-year plans for developing major new safe cycling and walking routes in the county to help create greener, healthier and more active streets.&nbsp;They support the Government&#39;s ambition to make cycling and walking a more natural choice for shorter journeys and to double the levels of cycling by 2025. &nbsp;The plans have been developed in partnership with cycle campaign groups, district, town and parish councils, with the aim to secure funding over the next decade for significant new safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians across Somerset&#39;s towns.&nbsp;These are evolving plans which will continue to develop over time, with the views and suggestions from the public central to the process.&nbsp;If you would like to comment on the LCWIP for Bridgwater, please let us know your thoughts below. &nbsp;We will use your feedback to help us update the plan over the coming year.&nbsp;

View a completed scheme supporting walking and cycling in Bridgwater.   

Wembdon Road to Victoria Road Cycle Scheme

A new scheme to support walking and cycling in Bridgwater was unveiled in February 2021 after Somerset Councils received approximately &pound;450k of Government funding. The project was allocated Active Travel funding and was overseen by Somerset&#39;s Active Travel Group, representing the five local councils, police and health.The aim of the scheme was to deliver an improved walking and cycling route from Wembdon Road to Victoria Road to improve accessibility between the town centre and residential areas. &nbsp;A community engagement and consultation process ran through February 2021 with communities and businesses to help shape the scheme.&nbsp;As of October 2021, the scheme has essentially been completed.&nbsp;

Comments are closed, but you can still view the map.. 

Somerset Covid-19 Emergency Active Travel Heatmap

During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we asked you to tell us what temporary adjustments were needed to help ensure people could get about safely during the crisis. Although this phase of the project is now closed, you can still view the comments by clicking the map below. <div class="map"><iframe width="100%" frameborder="0" height="600" src="https://somersetcovidactivetravel.commonplace.is/projectMap"></iframe> <div style="display: flex;"><a href="https://somersetcovidactivetravel.commonplace.is/comments" style="font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.42857; color: #777; text-decoration: none; margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">View larger map</a> <a href="https://www.commonplace.is" style="margin-left: auto;" target="_blank"><img width="150px" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1594390595/Commonplace/commonplace-logo-horizontal-rgb.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></a></div></div>

Frome School Street - Design Proposal

Frome School Streets Co-Design Proposal 2022 - Give us your Feedback!

School Streets welcomes comments on co-designFollowing the gathering of feedback from residents last year, Frome&rsquo;s School Streets is inviting feedback on the project which aims to encourage active travel to school in order to lower congestion and air pollution and make the roads safer for those walking and cycling.Frome Town Council has worked closely with local active travel charity Sustrans to involve the community in the design of the project around Trinity, Critchill, Oakfield and Avanti schools. The team of designers and engineers have created a co-design based on feedback collected from a series of public engagement sessions, surveys and meetings with those that live, work and use the area.&nbsp;Frome Town Council&rsquo;s Resilience Manager, Nikki Brain, said: &ldquo;Every step of this process has been informed by public consultation and we&rsquo;re so grateful for all the feedback we have already received which has helped shape the draft design. We&rsquo;re very excited to be working with the community to see this project become a reality!&rdquo;Residents will be able to view the draft co-design and share comments, whether online or in person, throughout April. Once comments and feedback have been considered, the design will be finalised and installed over the next 12 months then trialled for a period of 18 months.&nbsp;There will &nbsp;be drop-in sessions at the Town Hall (Thursday 7th April, 1-4pm; Wednesday 20th April, 9am-12pm) or catch the team for a chat at the crossroads of Nunney Road and Oakfield Road (5th and 26th April, 3-4pm; 27th April, 8-9.30am).&nbsp;If those dates don&rsquo;t suit then residents are invited to pop into the Town Hall during opening hours to have a look at the display, it&rsquo;ll be available between the 4th April and 4th May and visitors will be encouraged to leave their thoughts in a comment box.&nbsp;The Schools Streets project is funded by Somerset County Council as part of their Emergency Active Travel Fund. To find out more about the School Streets project, head to <a href="http://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/school-streets">www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/school-streets</a>&nbsp;(Download proposal <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/somersetsustainabletransport/Frome%20School%20Streets%20codesign.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>)<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1648644069/projects/oec1mhw5eeywc02tyjfo.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">(Download proposal <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/somersetsustainabletransport/Frome%20School%20Streets%20codesign.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>)<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1648644098/projects/gj2051i7powupdeo1e6l.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">(Download proposal <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/somersetsustainabletransport/Frome%20School%20Streets%20codesign.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>)<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1649064951/projects/gjf03swwfxdurxcuoa8q.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">(Download proposal <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/somersetsustainabletransport/Frome%20School%20Streets%20codesign.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>)<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1649064961/projects/wlxb0xdl0gpzr20h3y0y.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">(Download proposal <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/somersetsustainabletransport/Frome%20School%20Streets%20codesign.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>)<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1649064968/projects/iqbqulsqn4eh2m9dr5xz.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">(Download proposal <a href="https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/commonplace-customer-assets/somersetsustainabletransport/Frome%20School%20Streets%20codesign.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>)If you have time, please review the proposal and answer a couple of questions on the next pages!&nbsp; Thank you.

Modeshift STARS is the national active travel accreditation scheme. 

Modeshift STARS

Modeshift STARS - Travel plan resources for schools

Somerset County Council and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) have teamed up with Modeshift STARS to give all schools the opportunity to be recognised for supporting Sustainable and Active Travel by developing a School Travel Plan through the Modeshift STARS Education Accreditation Programme.&nbsp; <ul id="isPasted"><li>Modeshift STARS is the national accreditation scheme supported by the Department for Transport. It allows schools to achieve Green, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum STAR awards for promoting sustainable and active travel.</li><li id="isPasted">Since launching in 2008, Modeshift STARS have seen over 1,400 schools in England achieve accreditation.</li></ul>To find out more and to get involved, just click here: <a href="https://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/modeshiftstars/" id="isPasted" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="www.somerset.gov.uk" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl=""></a><a aria-label="Travel plan resources for schools – ModeshiftSTARS (somerset.gov.uk) - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/modeshiftstars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/modeshiftstars/$travelplanresourcesforschools–modeshiftstars(somerset.gov.uk)">Travel plan resources for schools &ndash; ModeshiftSTARS (somerset.gov.uk)</a>

Exciting new opportunities to 'Get Somerset Cycling'. 



Get Somerset Cycling!

Get Somerset Cycling is an exciting new project from the innovative charity Life Cycle UK. They work throughout the West of England to transform lives and the environment through cycling.Launched in September 2021, &#39;Get Somerset Cycling&#39; offers fun and supporting activities to help local people and organisations to unlock the health, social and environmental benefits of cycling.&nbsp;These include:- &pound;100 off a refurbished bike for people on low incomes.- FREE one-to-one cycle skills lessons for adults.- Secure cycle parking for organisations, supplied and installed at ZERO cost.To find out more, click here:<a aria-label="Get Somerset Cycling | Life Cycle UK - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/get-somerset-cycling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/get-somerset-cycling$getsomersetcycling|lifecycleuk"> Get Somerset Cycling | Life Cycle UK</a>

Upgrade for Taunton Railway Station to Vivary Park cycle route. 


Improvements for Taunton Cycle Route

Somerset West and Taunton Council is delivering significant improvements to the cycling route between Taunton Railway Station and Vivary Park.&nbsp;The schemes will involve three new Toucan crossings and other safety improvements plus an enhanced crossing over the River Tone.&nbsp;The route utilises the new Firepool and Coal Orchard developments and also includes better cycle parking provision in the town centre.&nbsp;To find out more about the Future High Streets funding, click here: <a href="https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/" id="isPasted" data-uw-rm-brl="false" aria-label="www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl=""></a><a aria-label="https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/ - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/$https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/">https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/</a><a aria-label="www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl="" href="https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/news/swt-secures-provisional-future-high-streets-funding/">&nbsp;</a>

The Bridgwater Active Travel Day takes place on Saturday May 21st 10-3pm at Bridgwater Town Hall.  

Bridgewater active travel day

Bridgwater Active Travel Day

Bridgwater Active Travel Day takes place at Bridgwater Town Hall on Saturday May 21st.&nbsp; It will be a fun-packed day with plenty of information, advice and activities based around active travel.&nbsp;As well as representatives from the County and District councils, you will also be able to chat to members from Bridgwater Area Cycling Campaign (BACC); SASP; Lifecycle UK; Sustrans and many more.To find out more, click here: <a aria-label="https://thebacc.org.uk/2022/05/03/active-travel-day-2/ - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://thebacc.org.uk/2022/05/03/active-travel-day-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://thebacc.org.uk/2022/05/03/active-travel-day-2/$https://thebacc.org.uk/2022/05/03/active-travel-day-2/">https://thebacc.org.uk/2022/05/03/active-travel-day-2/</a>

Beat the Street Yeovil is taking place now - are you game?

Beat the Street Yeovil

Beat the Street Yeovil is taking place now, and will run until June 1st.Beat the Street is a free, fun initiative that will see Yeovil transformed into a giant game!&nbsp;See how far you can walk, cycle, run, scoot and roll in just 4 weeks. There are great challenges to enjoy and prizes up for grabs.The game will start on Wednesday 4th May 2022 and end on Wednesday 1st June 2022To sign up and to create a team, click here: <a aria-label="https://www.beatthestreet.me/yeovil/ - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.beatthestreet.me/yeovil/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.beatthestreet.me/yeovil/$https://www.beatthestreet.me/yeovil/">https://www.beatthestreet.me/yeovil/</a>

Slinky is a door to door demand response transport service funded by Somerset County Council. 

Slinky logo

Slinky Services - Demand Response Transport

Slinky Services

Slinky is a door to door demand responsive transport service funded by Somerset County Council for people not served by or unable to access conventional transport. All the vehicles are accessible.The service can be used for various purposes including; getting to local health appointments or exercise classes, visiting friends or family, going shopping or attending social events. You can also use the Slinky as a link to other forms of public transport.<h4 id="isPasted">Who can use the Slinky?</h4>You will be eligible to use the Slinky bus if you:Do not have access to a public bus service, Do not have your own transport; or Have a disability which means you are unable to access a public busThe service is available to all eligible passengers which could include parents with young children, teenagers, students, the elderly, the retired and people with disabilities.To find out more, and to register for the service, click here: <a href="https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/slinky-services-demand-responsive-transport/">https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/slinky-services-demand-responsive-transport/</a>

Have your say on a network of new walking and cycling routes across Taunton Garden Town. 

Connecting our Garden Communities

Somerset West and Taunton have produced a draft plan setting out their aspirations for a network of walking and cycling routes across Taunton Garden Town, intended to meet the needs of future residents and workers in connection with new developments, known as the Garden Communities, as well as improve connections for existing communities. We want to know what you think.Click here to have your say: <a href="https://tauntongardentown.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://tauntongardentown.commonplace.is/</a><a href="https://tauntongardentown.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1659103670/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/l4mmemdxu0uwyzdf5ld2.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a>This consultation will be open until 30th September 2022.

Have your say on new proposed bike rack locations across Mendip.

Bike Rack Locations Across Mendip

Following public requests for additional cycle racks across Mendip, a decision was made by MDC for the Climate Emergency and Resilience team and Sustainable Transport to investigate potential locations for the racks across Mendip District.We have created a map with our proposed locations below. Click on the top left icon to see the legend.&nbsp;We want to make bike parking safer and more convenient across Mendip. You can tell us what you think of the locations, below.<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1xYljTAWcgw2ZUIKLhtKLXV3zRI_1Iwdp&hl=en&ehbc=2E312F" width="1040" height="580"></iframe>

We’d love to hear your thoughts on shaping the future of sustainable transport in Somerset.

Somerset Youth Voice Survey

Somerset Youth Voice

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1675343013/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/kgxrctmampzvaumjm40k.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" alt="Somerset youth logo"> We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on shaping the future of sustainable transport in Somerset.Sustainable transport is transport that has low and zero emissions and is energy efficient such as; walking, cycling, wheeling, electric transport, and public transport.We&rsquo;ve created this short survey, and your answers will help us to raise your voice and share your thoughts on what young people want and need.&nbsp;

Have your say on Rural Transport and Engagement. 


Rural Transport and Engagement

<h2>Rural Transport</h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1677083917/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/yoc3l6qaqy2k4xv7o2w6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" alt="Arial picture of Somerset"> Here in Somerset, we&rsquo;re in the early stages of writing a new Local Transport Plan.&nbsp;We recognise the importance of improving rural mobility and rural connections within Somerset, and this will be a vital consideration when drafting the plan.&nbsp;Have your say by responding to all or some of the questions below:

<h2>Engagement</h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1677084846/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/x9a2n5gwvldoafm4bpoy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" alt="Two people having coffee icon"> Engagement refers to the involvement of others outside an organisation in the agenda setting, decision making, and/or policy forming activities of that organisation.&nbsp; In this case, it would be Somerset Council engaging with members of the public on their Local Transport Plan update.

Your comments will be used to inform the development of our Local Transport Plan, making sure Somerset&rsquo;s streets are a welcoming place for everyone.&nbsp;Comments will also feed into research being undertaken by About Community Engagement (ACE), who are looking into how engagement on mobility in rural areas can be improved.&nbsp;For more information about ACE, please visit&nbsp;<a aria-label="www.aboutcommunityengagement.com - opens in new tab" class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="http://www.aboutcommunityengagement.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="http://www.aboutcommunityengagement.com/$www.aboutcommunityengagement.com">www.aboutcommunityengagement.com </a>

School Streets are making Primary Schools in Somerset a safer and healthier place. Have your say on the scheme here.

Somerset School Streets

<h3>How does a School Street work?</h3>A specific street(s) or a section of the street around a participating school will temporarily restrict non-essential motor vehicle access at set times in the morning and afternoon. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the street during the operating times unless they are exempt (see below).Signs and barriers at the entrances to the scheme will inform drivers of the restriction.&nbsp;In many schemes stewards at the barriers will ask drivers to provide proof they are permitted to enter the street and will only allow authorised vehicles to enter e.g. residents, business owners etc. at walking speed.<h3>Is there a School Street near me?</h3><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1684925708/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/fzqdrqsmyr9yxdbmah5w.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w">At the moment this scheme is being proposed to be piloted in Somerset at the following schools. To have your say on these school streets or for some more information please select a school name:<a class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/bruton-primary-school-street/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bruton Primary School Street</a><a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl="" href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/edit/proposals/eastover-primary-school-street" id="isPasted">&nbsp;</a>-&nbsp;&nbsp;26th May &ndash; 9th June<a aria-label="Eastover Community Primary School - opens in new tab" class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/eastover-primary-school-street/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-gb/proposals/eastover-primary-school-street/step1$eastovercommunityprimaryschool">Eastover Community Primary School</a> -&nbsp;5th June &ndash; 19th June

Who is exempt from School Streets restrictions?People walking, scooting and using cycles are not subject to the restrictions, as we want to encourage everyone to try to avoid driving in the closed sections during the restricted hours.The following motorised vehicles would still be able to enter or exit the School Street when it is in operation:<ul><li>Emergency services&nbsp;</li><li>Emergency utility visits</li><li>Blue badge holders</li><li>Vehicles parked within the School Street that need to exit</li><li>Care workers serving a property within the School Street</li><li>Vehicles belonging to the residents and business within the School Street</li><li>School transport&nbsp;</li><li>Waste and recycling collections</li></ul>&nbsp;Those permitted to enter and leave the School Street will be required to&nbsp;drive at walking pace and may be walked through, for all or part of the way, by a Steward to ensure the safety of people within it.<h3>What does this mean for parents and carers?</h3>Parents or carers dropping children at school are not able to drive into a School Street zone unless they can show that they are exempt. We would ask that where possible pupils and their families walk, cycle or scoot to school. This however is not always possible, in these situations we would ask you to park considerately outside of the School Street Zone and walk, cycle or scoot the remaining distance to school, known as Park and Stride. We will work to identify suitable alternative parking options.<h3>Can residents come and go as they please?</h3>Residents will be permitted to enter or leave the School Street at any time. We would ask that to create a safe and pleasant environment outside the school, that where possible to avoid travelling by vehicle whilst the School Street closure is in operation.<h3>What if I have a delivery or visitor?</h3>We would ask that visitors and deliveries are scheduled to arrive outside the School Street closure times. They will be asked to return after the School Street has ended or to park nearby and make the remainder of the journey by foot. If a visitor is a blue badge holder they will be exempt.<h3>Are School Staff able to enter?</h3>School Staff will be asked to arrive at school outside of the School Street closure times. If this is not possible, if they are parking within the school staff car park they will be able to enter.<h3>What is the legal position for closing the School Street?</h3>An experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) will be put in place, which allows the road to be temporarily closed by law.&nbsp;<h2>Common concerns</h2><h3>Won&rsquo;t the School Street just move issues with congestion, road safety and parking to neighbouring street?</h3>Evidence collected from other existing School Streets do not show that they cause issues elsewhere.&nbsp;There is potential for parking to be dispersed over a wider area rather than concentrated at the most hazardous spot outside the school gates. We will explore opportunities for official park and stride sites to help to minimise impact on other streets.&nbsp;School streets have also been proven to encourage more families to walk, cycle and scoot to school, therefore reducing the number of cars of the road.<h3>I have limited time and it will take longer for me to get the children to school?</h3>Often finding a suitable parking space can be a stressful and challenging experience, and you may often have to sit in a queue of traffic. Leaving the car at home, or parking elsewhere and walking the remaining distance, can often take a similar time, especially if there are walking and cycling shortcuts. It can also be a more pleasant experience, allowing time to build physical activity into your daily routine and to socialise as a family or with friends.

Have your say and find out more about School streets around Bruton Primary school.

Bruton Primary School Street

A proposed trial for Bruton Primary School

Over the past few years, Bruton Primary School has seen an increase in the number of complaints from local residents regarding parking issues, and complaints from parents/carers about the safety of children on and nearby the streets leading to school.&nbsp;As a result, Bruton Primary School has been highlighted as a potential school who could benefit from a School Street scheme. If the scheme was decided to go ahead, the trial period would start at the beginning of next academic year (September 2023).&nbsp;It would run for at least six months; with the hope that it would become permanent if the school and local community supported the scheme.&nbsp;How will the School Street run?To achieve a School Street for Bruton Primary School we are proposing to close Higher Backway from St Catherines Hill entrances and Higher Backway from the Pre School during drop off and pick up times&nbsp;(excluding school holidays and weekends).&nbsp;During the closure periods, stewards will be present to help enforce the scheme and to welcome families arriving at the School Street on foot, scooter or cycle. Closure times are suggested to be for 45 minutes on weekdays between 08:30-09.15 and 15.00-15.45, term time only.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1684500490/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/iqtase54cn9q8crnu6hh.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Map of the proposed school street" data-uw-rm-ima="ai">Source of image taken from <a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="http://www.openstreetmap.org" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.openstreetmap.org</a> accessed 04/05/2023**Red lines shown in the map are the suggested location of the temporary road closures. The green marked roads would be included in the closure points. Parking area outside the pre school would be accessible as a turning circle/parking.Please share your views with usBefore answering the following questions, please make sure you have read and understood the information provided about School Streets and the proposed trial.&nbsp;This initial consultation will help us to make an informed decision about the progression of the scheme, this initial consultation will last for 2 weeks from Friday 26th May until Friday 9th June

* Park and Stride means driving most of the journey but parking away from your destination (outside the proposed School Street Zone) and walking the last 5 minutes or more.&nbsp;

What is your view on the following statements during drop off and pick up times within the proposed School Street zone?&nbsp;**The Proposed School Street Zone includes: Higher Backway from St Catherines Hill entrances and up to the entrances to the car park for the pre school.

Have your say and find out more about School streets around Eastover Primary school.

Eastover Primary School Street

A proposed trail for Eastover Primary School

Over the past few years, Eastover School has seen an increase in the number of complaints from local residents regarding parking issues, complaints from parents/carers about the safety of children on and nearby the streets leading to school.&nbsp;As a result, Eastover School has been highlighted as a potential school who could benefit from a School Street and to become a pilot. If it was decided to go ahead, the trial would start in the late summer term or at the start of the new school year. It would run for at least six months; with the hope that it would become permanent if the school and local community supported this.&nbsp;How will the School Street run?To achieve a School Street for Eastover Primary School we are proposing to close Cornborough Street and Wellington Road (from Polden Street entrance and Devonshire Street entrance) during drop off and pick up times&nbsp;(excluding school holidays and weekends).&nbsp;During the closure periods, stewards will be present to help enforce this and to welcome families arriving at the School Street on foot, scooter or cycle. In order to help support this &lsquo;park and stride&rsquo; option we are working with the parking services to allow temporary parking for school users at Barclay Street car park without charge. There is also parking at Sainsbury Supermarket. Closure times will be for approximately 45 minutes around school drop off and pick up times.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1684497989/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/cgn7kugs9lmlaf9um2d6.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Map of proposed school street " data-uw-rm-ima-original="we are proposing to close cornborough street and wellington road (from polden street entrance and devonshire street entrance) during drop off and pick up times (excluding school holidays and weekends.">Source of image taken from <a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="http://www.openstreetmap.org/" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.openstreetmap.org/</a> accessed 11/05/2023**Red lines shown in the map are the suggested location of the temporary road closures. The green marked roads would be included in the closure points.Please share your views with usBefore answering the following questions, please make sure you have read and understood the information provided about School Streets and the proposed trial. This initial consultation will help us to make an informed decision about the progression of the scheme, this initial consultation will last for 2 weeks from Monday 5th June until Monday 19th June.*The Proposed School Street Zone includes: Cornborough Place and Wellington Road between Polden Street and Devonshire Street (as shown in the map above)

What is your view on the following statements during drop off and pick up times within the proposed School Street zone?&nbsp;*The Proposed School Street Zone includes: Cornborough Place and Wellington Road between Polden Street and Devonshire Street (as shown in the above map image)

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1655368895/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/sdkrodbrlsjzg1my3tou.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Planning a journey in Somerset?&nbsp;A new one-stop travel information website has been launched by Somerset County Council to support more local people to access public and community transport. &nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not own a car - or you want to leave it at home and travel more sustainably, Think Travel can help you with your transport options. Whether it is getting to the doctors, shops, travelling to work, college, or school, or just into town to meet friends or family, the new travel planner shows you what is available. It covers public transport, community transport, the Slinky demand responsive transport service and car sharing.&nbsp;&nbsp;To start your search, all you need to do is enter your journey start point and destination in the planner and Think Travel will find the available options for you.&nbsp;As well as information on train and bus services, there is also a dedicated car sharing notice board you can sign up to, where offers or requests for car sharing journeys can be posted.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is also more information on the various transport services, public transport disruption news and a mapping tool to see what transport services are operating in your area.&nbsp;The aim is to grow this facility and encourage local car sharing networks to evolve.&nbsp;You can check out Think Travel using the link below:&nbsp;<a href="https://somerset.thinktravel.info/" target="_blank">https://somerset.thinktravel.info</a>&nbsp;

Think Travel

Think Travel

This engagement phase has finished

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