Moray community invited to discuss draft Active Travel Strategy and Action Plan
MORAY Council has today (Tuesday 07 December) approved the draft Active Travel Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027) which aims to make active travel an attractive and realistic choice for short journeys across Moray.
A 12-week public consultation period will commence on Monday 10 January 2022 with at least two virtual consultation events taking place. The comments and responses received during this period will be taken into consideration when finalising the strategy.
Active travel is becoming increasingly more important in society today and has a major role in encouraging physical activity compared to other forms of exercise. There have been notable increases in cycling and walking since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with almost all fixed cycle and pedestrian counters across Moray measuring increases in journey numbers.
Active travel can help make the shift from private car use to walking and cycling for short every day journeys, meeting our need, both locally and internationally, to combat climate change and reduce our carbon emissions.
The draft strategy and action plan have been developed in conjunction with key stakeholders, individuals with an interest in active travel and community groups. Discussions took place around various priorities for active travel - for both rural villages and larger towns across Moray.
The key priorities raised by those attending various workshops helped shape and develop the objectives and action plan, ensuring that the proposed aims and objectives reflect the genuine needs and desires of existing and potential active travel users.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, says this is the perfect opportunity for people to have their questions answered and give their feedback.
“Active Travel will play a major role in our drive to Net Zero and our vision is to create a culture and environment where active travel is the number one choice for short everyday journeys to school, work and leisure.
“We are committed to achieving this by providing excellent active travel connections and accessibility through a safe, integrated, accessible network that also supports economic development and the needs of our communities.
“This strategy will guide the Council’s Active Travel efforts for years to come and it is really important that we get a comprehensive range of responses during the 12-week public consultation period, which will start on 10 January.”
More information on the Active Travel Strategy will be available on our website.