27 November 2003

SPELLAR LAUNCHES TRANSPORT GROUP

The Integrated Transport Stakeholder Group, a transport advisory group, has been set up by Minister of State, John Spellar, MP.

This group will provide advice to the Department for Regional Development on issues arising from the implementation of the Regional Transportation Strategy 2002-2012 (RTS). The group will also generate ideas and guidance on best practice in transport and help promote a partnership approach to the implementation of the RTS.

The Minister said: "The RTS provides the basis for improving transport across the region and the challenge is now to make sure that priority actions at local level support the key objectives of the strategy.

"Everyone in the community has a role to play including councils, businesses, the voluntary and community sectors, individuals and departments and agencies. This Group is another way in which the Department is demonstrating that it is keen to listen to the citizens of Northern Ireland.

"I believe that there is great potential to achieve results that will really benefit the public and I am convinced that this group can become a good example of a partnership approach to policy making and implementation. This type of diverse partnership can make a significant contribution towards the future development of transport in Northern Ireland."

NOTES TO EDTIORS:

1. Membership of the Integrated Transport Stakeholder Group:
   • Automobile Association
   • Community Transport Association
   • Confederation of British Industry (NI Branch)
   • Construction Employer’s Federation
   • Cycling Forum
   • Freight Transport Association
   • Friends of the Earth
   • General Consumer Council
   • Independent Coach Operator’s Association
   • Institute of Directors
   • Institution of Civil Engineers
   • Institution of Highways and Transportation
   • Irish Congress of Trade Unions – Northern Ireland Committee
   • Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
   • Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
   • Northern Ireland Local Government Association
   • Police Service of Northern Ireland (Traffic Branch)
   • Queen’s University of Belfast
   • Royal Town Planning Institute
   • Transport 2000
   • Transport Advisory Committee / Disability Action
   • University of Ulster
   • Walking Forum

2. Copies of the RTS Annual Report are available by contacting Regional Planning and Transportation Division on 028 9054 0616 and can be downloaded from www.shapingourfuture.gov.uk

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