Introducing Active Travel England and LTN 1/20

Susan Claris

Rob Goodall

The provision of Active Travel infrastructure in our villages, towns and cities goes beyond just addressing mobility and connectivity challenges. Getting more people walking, wheeling and cycling can help revitalise our town centres, bring economic prosperity, tackle inequalities, improve health and wellbeing, and put us further along the path to net zero. The case for investment is clear, and the government has made its intentions clear about pushing this agenda forward. In the words of Chris Boardman – interim Active Travel Commissioner for England - “There is no crisis today that would not be helped by increasing active travel.”

What’s changed?

Active Travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) has been gaining increasing traction in national policy over recent years. The figure below outlines some of the key policy, guidance and changes that have been introduced to ensure the realisation of the Government’s ambition for pushing the agenda on Active Travel. Higher-quality and better standard of walking and cycling infrastructure and Local Authorities taking a stronger role in the delivery of strategic and local improvements are cornerstones of this ambition.

Local Transport Note (LTN) 1/20

LTN 1/20 sets out the new standard best practice designs for cycling (note that there is forthcoming guidance on walking). This was adopted a couple of years ago, but with the emergence of Active Travel England as described, it is crucial that Towns are considering what this means for their plans, strategies and schemes.

Active Travel England

With the sponsorship of the DfT, Active Travel England (ATE) will be the agency in charge of overseeing the delivery of the ambitious vision set out in Gear Change and ensuring that infrastructure is delivered to the standards set out in LTN 1/20. Its role and how they would like to collaborate with Local Authorities is summarised below. You can find more information in the links provided.

Active Travel England’s Role

• Integrational: Working with Local Authorities, developers, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders towards the delivery of schemes that are compliant with national best practice guidance

• Sponsorship: Active Travel England will hold the budget, fund and support the delivery of high-quality Active Travel infrastructure and behavioural change schemes.

• Supporting: In recognition of rising standards (as set out in LTN 1/20 for cycling and the upcoming similar guidance note for walking), Active Travel England has expressed commitment to support Local Authorities in delivering schemes of quality and of local appropriateness.

• Delivering Best Practice: Active Travel England and DfT are working to develop further guidance and tools which will build on the principles already stated in Gear Change and LTN 1/20. It is key that towns take every possible step to make schemes compliant with these principles.

• Technical advice and reviews: Ultimately, Active Travel England will be applying its experience and technical expertise to influence funding. It will review and inspect key schemes, review major planning applications and provide technical advice. Local Authorities can start taking a proactive role by ensuring compliance with the principles in Gear Change and LTN 1/20 as well as any upcoming guidance and resources that Active Travel England will start sharing.

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