New proposals intended to help guide the way that important local transport services are delivered over the next 20 years have been approved by Rutland County Council.

'Moving Rutland Forward' (MRF) is the county's fourth Local Transport Plan and sets out a long-term vision that will support the development of new council-led, resident-focused transport policies around road safety, bus travel, driving, cycling and walking.

The plan is set to run until 2036 and intended to be a 'living document', meaning it remains flexible and can continue to be adapted.

Other individual policies will be developed around specific transport issues, with input from local residents and service users.

MRF was approved at Full Council on Monday (9 Sept), meaning work can now begin towards achieving the three key aims of the plan, which are:

· Supporting a high level of health and wellbeing, including combating rural isolation

· Ensuring the transport needs of Rutland's most vulnerable residents can continue to be met

· Supporting Rutland's growing population and local economy

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Transport at Rutland County Council, said: "When we talk about local transport we don't just mean bus services; we mean car use, cycling and walking, all of which need to be carefully considered and work together as part of a long-term plan for the county.

"An effective transport network is key to supporting education, employment, tourism and access to healthcare in rural areas. Our Local Transport Plan sets a direction of travel for how to achieve this in the face of some significant challenges."

MRF has been in development since 2016 and underwent an in-depth consultation process last year, involving local residents, organisations, businesses and parish councils.

"The consultation that took place around Moving Rutland Forward found that there is support among residents for our three key aims.

"However, further work is still needed to develop the individual policies that will help to bring about changes.

The plan provides the vital background work for this and will be an important tool to support future bids for funding that can be used to develop Rutland's local transport services," added Coun Stephenson.

MRF is accompanied by a number of supporting documents including an Implementation Plan covering the first five years, setting out actions such as:

· A new road safety strategy

· Developing a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

· Working with local businesses to develop site travel plans for business and industrial sites

· Identifying grant funding opportunities

· Investigating additional concessionary travel privileges for residents with disabilities or special educational needs

· Working to promote car sharing and other sustainable modes of travel

Rutland's Local Transport Plan and supporting documents can be read online by clicking the red button below.