What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve/do?
- The new Local Transport Strategy (LTS) will replace the 2010 strategy, providing an updated framework for transport planning and infrastructure provision and maintenance that aligns with current national and regional priorities.
- It aims to develop a transport system that reflects the current needs of North Lanarkshire residents, employees and visitors as well as preparing for the transport challenges and opportunities ahead.
- It outlines the future direction or the council's approach to the development and upkeep of transport infrastructure within North Lanarkshire for the next 10 years.
If this is a budget saving, how will the saving be achieved?
Not applicable
If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
Low Income
The LTS seeks to improve affordable travel opportunities through the development of enhanced public transport, active travel infrastructure and support for community transport. This may benefit those with low-income backgrounds or less likely to have access to a private car.
Low Wealth
Improving the reliability, accessibility and connectivity of transport services may help reduce barriers to employment, education and essential services for people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
Material Deprivation
The LTS aims to improve access to jobs, healthcare, education and essential services and facilities through a more connected transport network, helping to reduce social exclusion.
Area Deprivation
Investment in transport infrastructure and services will seek to improve accessibility and affordability in deprived communities, helping residents access opportunities and reducing transport-related inequalities.
Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The LTS is spilt into 11 action groups, plus an overarching group which cuts across several action groups. A summary of the impacts of each group on stakeholders indicates:
Active travel
Improved connectivity due to strategic active travel routes, which may increase access to employment and education opportunities. This could benefit protected characteristic groups underrepresented in employment statistics.
Behaviour change
Promotion of behavioural change programmes may encourage cycling for groups underrepresented in cycling figures.
Public Transport
Actions to support the bus network through franchising, Real Time Passenger Information, bus priority infrastructure and accessible stops are expected to benefit older people, younger people, disabled people, and low-income households who are more likely to rely on public transport.
Shared Transport
Working with partners to support measures to enhance Community and Demand Responsive Transport may have positive accessibility impacts for groups who are not able to drive due to disabilities and health problems.
Environmental and decarbonisation
Encouraging a modal shift to the use of electric vehicles may have positive impacts for groups more vulnerable to the negative health impacts caused by air pollution.
Safety in Transport
Measures to improve safety, including street lighting and improved public spaces, may particularly benefit women, older people and other protected characteristic groups who feel less safe making journeys alone and may face greater risk of discrimination and harassment.
Freight
Groups with greater sensitivity to the negative health impacts of air pollution could benefit from actions to reduce HGV traffic on local roads due to reduced air pollution and congestion.
Maintenance
Measures to maintain the local road network could particularly benefit people with mobility impairments.
Road Safety and Network
Analysis of accident data may help to prioritise problem sites which could reduce pedestrian road traffic accidents for groups at greater risk.
Parking
Undertaking a review of parking across North Lanarkshire could have positive impacts for multiple protected characteristic groups.
Digital and technology
Improved accessibility information and Mobility as a Service technologies may enhance travel planning for disabled people. However, implementation should take account of the needs of digitally excluded groups.
No significant adverse equality impacts have been identified at this strategic level. However, there is potential for some groups to experience barriers. These risks will be considered and monitored during project development and implementation.
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
- Aim that accessibility and inclusive design principles are embedded throughout the planning, design and delivery of all transport projects, considering all protected characteristic groups.
- Prioritising improvements that improve access to key services and facilities for individuals that experience socio-economic disadvantage, including those living in deprived or rural communities.
- Working with partners, such as Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, to improve public transport connectivity, reliability and affordability to support those who are most dependent on this mode.
- Invest in safe, accessible and connected active travel infrastructure to support healthier lifestyles and provide affordable and alternative travel options.
- Incorporate measures to improve both actual and perceived safety across the transport network, including accessible infrastructure and appropriate lighting – particularly for vulnerable protected characteristics who may experience safety concerns.
- Continue to engage with protected characteristic groups, community organisations and individuals to provide high-quality transport interventions that reflect the needs of the users.
- Promote partnership working with key stakeholders across all transportation modes.
- Continue to monitor equality and socio-economic impacts during and after implementation of the LTS to identify any unintended consequences.
- Work with partners, including Transport Scotland and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to reduce transport poverty and improve affordable access to transport across North Lanarkshire.
- Support environmental improvements and a shift towards lower-emission transport options to improve air quality and create healthier places.
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?
Overall, the Local Transport Strategy has the potential to make a significant positive contribution towards advancing equality of opportunity, fostering good relations and reducing socio-economic disadvantage across North Lanarkshire. No significant adverse equality impacts have been identified at the strategic level. The positive benefits of the strategy will be maximised by placing equality, accessibility, affordability and inclusion at the heart of decision-making, investment prioritisation and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Future projects from the strategy should continue to be assessed to identify and consider potential impacts on all protected characteristic groups and individuals experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.