THE PUBLIC are being invited to give their views on a plan to make active travel more convenient for every day journeys. A consultation launches on Friday, October 30 on the East Sussex Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

The delivery of the plan, which relies on East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and their partners securing external funding, sets out an ambitious network of proposed cycling and walking routes and measures integrated with existing infrastructure. At this stage it does not include detailed proposals.

This will build upon £23m of funding ESCC has successfully secured since 2014 to deliver active travel measures through the council’s local transport capital programme. This strategy will be used as a means to secure more funding and an extension to existing networks.

Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Walking and cycling not only improves people’s health and wellbeing, it can help protect the environment and improve air quality.

“Some people have been able to re-think how they travel since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic with cycling and walking becoming more of an option. We are keen to put in place infrastructure to support the opportunity to change habits and enable others to find more active and healthy ways to travel.”

In line with guidance from the Department for Transport, the county’s first plan will focus on areas where there is the greatest opportunity to increase levels of cycling and walking and therefore, to attract external funding – this includes the coastal strip and larger market towns in the county.

In rural areas, the council will look at how walking and cycling can be supported through its local transport plan, as well as local and neighbourhood plans. Officers will continue to work with local partners to identify opportunities and funding for active travel.

Cllr Dowling added: “It’s vital that people take this opportunity to comment and help us create a plan that supports active travel and understands the needs of local communities.”

The consultation runs until Friday, December 11 and all responses will be carefully considered before a final version of the plan is agreed.

To find out more about the plan and to take part in the consultation, visit https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/escc-lcwip-2020/