North Yorkshire council to create a travel strategy. It will focus on health, economy, and environment.
Hannah Gostlow suggested a motion. Gostlow represents Knaresborough East. She wants an active travel strategy. It should improve health, economies, and air. This strategy can boost community ties and may tackle congestion and climate goals.
Gostlow mentioned high childhood obesity rates. North Yorkshire rates exceed the national average. She wants the council to create healthy environments for future generations.
Councillors agreed to form a working party. It will study the issue closely. Their results will go into the new transport plan.
Gostlow stated this is a good start. We must act now on active travel, as national directives are not enough.
Active travel is not just transport, it means healthier people and places. Stronger communities become possible, and it also improves the local economy.
She added we need to enable healthy choices. This starts very young. The council impacts children’s lives, their schools, and their environment.
Keane Duncan spoke about active travel. He is the highways and transportation member. He said the council is committed to it.
He said they must first create the local transport plan. They will work with the combined authority.
This is a key strategic document for them. They, not the council, are the transport authority. The work should start this year.
Duncan mentioned secured funding for schemes, including £1.23 million and £370,000. They have approved infrastructure plans for walking and cycling, covering major areas in North Yorkshire.