27/06/12

£12.1million cash injection to improve transport links for Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset

Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset have been allocated a massive £12.1million by the government to improve the main east west transport links between Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch

Led by Bournemouth Borough Council, the three neighbouring authorities joined together in submitting a business case which includes a host of projects designed to encourage more sustainable travel in the ‘3 towns corridor’.

Specific initiatives due to be rolled out over the next three years include:

  • Bus priority measures at junctions
  • Improvements to the cycle network
  • Upgrading of all bus shelters along the route to a consistent high quality
  • Improvement of major bus hubs (including Sea View - Poole, Boscombe Bus Station, Somerford - Christchurch)
  • More crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Expansion of Smartcard ticketing for public transport
  • Targeted travel planning for major employers, schools and colleges
  • 'State of the art' traffic management systems
  • Public realm improvements

The cash injection comes from a national £600 million Fund, designed to help local transport authorities support the local economy and reduce carbon emissions from transport.  The three councils were in competition with twelve other local authorities for the central government funding. 

Gordon Page, Chair of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“We are delighted the government has taken the decision to invest in Dorset’s transport links. Improving Dorset’s electronic and physical connectivity is a key priority for the Dorset LEP and we fully support initiatives such as the 3 Towns Corridor which will enhance Dorset as a place to do business.”

Cllr Michael Filer, Bournemouth Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Cleansing & Waste, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have this funding in place, £12.1million is a lot of money and it allows the three councils to produce a package of measures across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch which will help to make the cross town journey quicker and safer.

“Equally important it shows that the three towns are working closely together for the benefit of all their residents as well as the millions of visitors who wish to use the attractions of the whole area.  For example we want to improve walking and cycling facilities, improve the public transport service by supporting our partners to provide a more efficient and enhanced service, as well as improve traffic management across the conurbation – all of which will help encourage people to travel smarter.”

Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio holder for Transportation and Local Economy, Borough of Poole, said:

“Winning the bid for this money is a real success for all three local authorities as it reflects the government's confidence in the area's potential for growth.  We hope this will also serve to attract more businesses into the area. Investment in new and improved bus, cycle and walking infrastructure should lead to faster and more reliable journeys including peak times for workers.  We hope to encourage more and more people to use these more sustainable modes of transport and leave their cars at home.”

Cllr Peter Finney, Dorset County Council’s Portfolio holder for Transport, said:

“This is more excellent news for sustainable transport in Dorset and another great opportunity to help local business and help us to improve the environment.  Working with local partners, and with local people and communities, we will be doing all we can to make travelling sustainably in Christchurch the natural choice for as many people as possible.”

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