Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Strategic Plan Framework: Transportation Regional Policy Context
The 'Northern Ireland Transport Policy Statement: - Moving Forward'(November 1998), signalled a desire to move away from a transportation system dominated by the private car to a more balanced and integrated system, in which public transport together with cycling and walking would play a greater role.
This approach is incorporated into the RDS which provides the spatial framework for transportation in Northern Ireland. It sets out a longer-term vision for transportation which is:-
- "to have a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy, and the environment and which actively contributes to social inclusion and everyone's quality of life".
The Regional Development Strategy (RDS) provides a number of SPGs and measures for a new approach to transportation in Northern Ireland, which are as follows:
- develop a Regional Strategic Transport Network (RSTN) based on key transport corridors, to enhance accessibility to regional facilities and services (SPG-TRAN 1);
- extend travel choice for all sections of the community by enhancing public transport (SPG-TRAN 2); and
- change the regional travel culture and contribute to healthier lifestyles (SPG-TRAN 4).
The RDS also requires the integration of land use and transportation through:
- the development of land use patterns which contribute to a much better range of travel choices for all and reduce the need to travel (SPG-TRAN 3).
An integral part of the RDS was the preparation of a Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) to cover a 10-year period from 2002-2012. The RTS was approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly in July 2002. Its purpose is to support the RDS and to make a significant contribution towards achieving the longer-term vision for transportation set out in the RDS. Implementation of the RTS will be achieved through three transport plans, covering the RSTN, the Belfast Metropolitan Area and the remainder of Northern Ireland respectively.
The RSTN is defined in the RDS and comprises the complete rail network, five key transport corridors (KTCs), four Link Corridors, the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Corridors and the remainder of the trunk road network. Those elements of the RSTN within the Plan Area are:
- A1 (part of the Eastern Seaboard KTC);
- A28 (part of a Link Corridor);
- A27 (a trunk road);
- A2 from Newry to Warrenpoint (a trunk road); and
- Belfast to Dublin Railway Line.
PPS 13 - Transportation and Land Use, flows directly from the Strategic Policy Guidelines within the RDS. Its primary objective is to integrate land use planning and transport by:
- promoting sustainable transport choices;
- promoting accessibility for all; and
- reducing the need to travel, especially by private car.
PPS 3 - Access, Movement and Parking, sets out regional planning policies for vehicular and pedestrian access, transport assessment, the protection of transport routes and parking.
Supplementary Planning Guidance is contained in DCAN 15 (2nd Edition): Vehicular Access Standards.
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