Have your say on how we’ll travel in the future
Two public consultations have been launched in Midlothian to inform and guide the development of a sustainable transport network.
Midlothian Council is seeking the view of residents on both its Active Travel Strategy and Local Transport Strategy. The first focuses on making Midlothian a place where choosing active travel will be an easy, convenient, cheap and realistic option for all.
This can take the form of walking, wheeling and cycling, which includes the use of wheelchairs, pushchairs, adapted bikes, cargo bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The consultation will help Midlothian Council to identify gaps or omissions in the draft strategy, which will then be used to shape and finalise the final version prior to publication and adoption by the local authority later this year.
Residents are also being encouraged to share their views on the Local Transport Strategy, setting out how Midlothian Council will contribute to national transport strategies and a framework for a more sustainable future. The survey will help the council to understand the various transport barriers that residents might face in Midlothian, for example how easy it is to access local public transport, transport costs, or remoteness from services.
Responses will help to shape the options for change before the draft Local Transport Strategy is put out for consideration as part of a 12-week public consultation later in the financial year.
Both surveys can be completed online using the council’s consultation hub and printed hard copies are available in all community libraries.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Colin Cassidy, said: “I’m delighted with the launch of two public consultations today which offer a big opportunity for residents to have their say on the future of active travel and local transport.
“The council is committed to ensuring that Midlothian has a safe, well-connected and convenient active travel network, whether it is for walking, cycling or using wheelchairs or pushchairs.
“Alongside the development of an Active Travel Strategy, we are also committed to ensuring our Local Transport Strategy makes Midlothian a great, green place to grow too.
“This means developing a local transport network that is more accessible, sustainable and which answers the demands of our growing population in the county. I encourage everyone to consider both surveys and complete them as soon as possible.”