16 February 2005
MINISTERS LAUNCH NEW TRANSPORT POLICY TO PROMOTE IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
Regional Development Minister, John Spellar, MP, and Environment Minister, Angela Smith, MP, today announced the publication of new planning policies aimed at integrating transport and land use planning.
Announcing the joint launch of Planning Policy Statement 13 "Transportation and Land Use" and revised PPS 3 "Access, Movement and Parking",
John Spellar said: "Both Departments have been working together to determine how transport and land use planning can be better integrated to achieve more sustainable travel patterns and better accessibility for all. The policies launched today embody the Government’s commitment to the provision of a modern, safe, sustainable transport system. They also address improved mobility for those who are socially excluded, the promotion of healthier living and improved road safety."
Angela Smith said: "Good mobility and accessibility, along with better opportunity for those whose mobility is impaired, are essential for the continued future growth of Northern Ireland.
"In the past the emphasis has been in accommodating the car. However, increased car dependence has brought a range of problems. In towns and cities it often causes congestion and noise pollution and it can have a detrimental effect on air quality and health.
"We want to ensure that any future development properly considers ease of movement of people and goods. Our aim is that everyone should have a realistic choice of walking, cycling or using public transport. In my role as Minister for Health, I particularly want to stress the positive benefits that walking and cycling can make to the health and physical well-being of all – a key reason why it is so vital to plan for these modes of travel in new developments."
John Spellar also advised: "Importantly, new policy has been introduced on Transport Assessment. This will enable planning decisions to be made with a fuller understanding of the likely transport impacts. It should also highlight ways in which a development can be made less car-dependent. New draft guidelines on Transport Assessment have been prepared as part of this process and are also being launched jointly today for a four-month period of public consultation."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
and the DRD Shaping our Future website www.drdni.gov.uk/shapingourfuture
- Planning Policy Statements set out policies on particular aspects of land-use planning and other planning matters and apply to the whole of Northern Ireland. Their contents are taken into account as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and appeals.
- To accompany publication of PPS 3 ‘Access, Movement and Parking’ and PPS 13 ‘Transportation and Land Use’ new draft guidelines on Transport Assessment have been jointly produced for a four month period of public consultation.
- Copies of both PPSs and the draft guidelines on Transport Assessment can be accessed on the Planning Service website www.planningni.gov.uk
An Equality Impact Assessment has been prepared to accompany publication of PPS 13 and is also available on the Shaping our Future website. For further information, contact either Brian Kirk, DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0013, or Paddy Cullen, DRD Press Office on
028 9054 0817.
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