The Greater Lincolnshire Transport Board convened to discuss and make decisions regarding the region's transport strategy. The board agreed to endorse the development of a Rural Transport Group (RTG) and supported the next steps for creating a Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan (LTP). Additionally, the board requested that the Chairman of the Transport Board write to the Secretary of State for Transport requesting ministerial sponsorship of the RTG.

Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan

The board agreed to endorse the development of a Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan (LTP) by the constituent authorities until the work is resourced within the authority. The LTP will set out a vision for a sustainable transport system connecting communities, promoting independence, wealth, and good health.

Andy Gutherson, Executive Director for Place at Lincolnshire County Council, explained that the three constituent authorities previously acted as transport authorities, each with its own local transport plan. The creation of a combined authority means that there is now a need for a single, unified transport plan. He noted that North Lincolnshire Council's local transport plan is set to expire at the end of 2025, so it is important to demonstrate a clear commitment to the Department for Transport (DfT).

The proposed policy themes for the LTP are:

• Economic Growth
• Safety, security and a healthy lifestyle
• Reduce transport related carbon dioxide emissions and protect and enhance the natural and built environment
• Connect people with homes, work, leisure and learning.

The LTP also proposes a list of interventions, including:

• Rural bus pilot
• Measures to improve bus services
• Public transport support
• Improved rail infrastructure and services
• Mobility hubs
• New and improved walking and cycling routes
• Strategic road improvements
• Road safety improvements
• Supporting efficient and sustainable freight movements
• Road maintenance

Councillor Rob Waltham MBE, North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the opportunity to have the plan reviewed on a larger scale, saying:

...that will start to address some of the significant infrastructure links that we know are barriers throughout the county they're not just barriers to everyday travel there are barriers to safety they're a barrier to economic growth and productivity the things that we need to see uh an improvement in the in the county.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, North East Lincolnshire Council, sought a commitment to involving active travel¹ in the new LTP.

Rural Transport Group

The board agreed to endorse the development of the Rural Transport Group (RTG) and confirmed its proposed functions. The board also confirmed its ambition to establish a Westminster launch event in the autumn of 2025, and agreed to delegate to the Interim Chief Operating Officer to approve the named point of contact at the Department of Transport (DfT) and co-opt them onto the Transport Board. Finally, the board requested that the Chairman of the Transport Board write to the Secretary of State for Transport, requesting ministerial sponsorship of the RTG in overseeing its implementation and adoption within Government processes.

Andy Gutherson, Executive Director for Place at Lincolnshire County Council, explained that the DfT offered the opportunity for the Greater Lincolnshire deal to include the establishment of a rural transport group, and for the Greater Lincolnshire Mayor to chair that group. He said that there was a general consensus that it was a long overdue opportunity to redress some of the balance between the over emphasis on urban transport solutions in government.

The proposed functions of the RTG are:

• Policy and Advocacy: influence national transport policy by engaging with government, publishing research, and responding to consultations.
• Knowledge Sharing: provide a platform for transport authorities to share best practices, data, and innovations.
• Research and Reports: publish in-depth reports on topics like bus reform, active travel and funding.
• Support for Devolution: champion the case for devolving more transport powers and funding to local areas.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, North East Lincolnshire Council, suggested that the Urban Transport Group should be a constituent member of the panel, to ensure that their views are considered.

Councillor Rob Waltham MBE, North Lincolnshire Council, said that representation in this group will be critical for it to be effective, and that it would be helpful to have representatives from each of the three constituent councils. He also suggested that the government should provide a minister who will sponsor the recommendations of the group.

Public Question Time

The board addressed questions from the public regarding bus franchising, active travel, and the local transport plan.

In response to a question about bus franchising from Mr Edward Fleet, Deputy Mayor Ingrid Sheard said that the mayor is committed to improving bus services in Lincolnshire, and is committed to forming Transport for Greater Lincolnshire (TfGL) and chairing a national Rural Transport Group. She added that the Bus Services Bill is still going through the legislative process, and that reassurances are being sought from ministers to ensure that franchising will work in rural areas.

In response to a question about active travel from Mr Tim Grigg, Deputy Mayor Ingrid Sheard said that Greater Lincolnshire has committed to working with Active Travel England to explore a joint programme of work on active travel focused on schools. She added that being a largely rural area, Greater Lincolnshire comes to the challenge set by Active Travel England from a different vantage point, and that she recognises the work already underway through the three constituent authorities to improve cycling and walking infrastructure.

In response to a question about the local transport plan from Ms Jane Bateman, Deputy Mayor Ingrid Sheard said that the timescales for working on the development of the local transport plan will be led by the Transport Board, and that future updates will detail opportunities for the public to get involved in the development of plans. She added that a full transport plan programme would usually take around 18 months to develop.