Insight
Key Takeaways from Active City Leicester
23 Aug 2024
Associate Transport Engineer Joanna Posnett and Associate Director Darren Ball recently attended the Active City Leicester event, which highlighted significant changes in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The revised NPPF emphasises building more houses and envisions a transport system that prioritises sustainability and active travel.
Air quality
A major theme of the event was the strong link between transport policies and air quality. The discussions underscored the importance of integrating health considerations into transport planning, with the NHS advocating for updated standards and comprehensive travel plans for hospitals.
Active travel
Active travel, particularly cycling, was a focal point, aligning with the government's vision for healthier communities. The emphasis on cycleways and sustainable transport aligns with our ongoing support for policy initiatives influenced by Active Travel England. These initiatives aim to promote health and well-being by encouraging more walking and cycling, which can improve air quality and reduce congestion.
Vision-led
Overall, the event reinforced the need for vision-led transport planning, a concept now emphasised in the proposed reforms to the NPPF, that integrates health, sustainability, and active travel to create healthier and more sustainable communities.
We look forward to continuing our work with clients to incorporate significant improvements to active travel infrastructure and influence future travel behaviour. By focusing on these areas, we aim to contribute to the development of more sustainable and accessible transport options that benefit both communities and the environment.