Conservatives Oppose BCP’s Local Transport Plan

At Tuesday’s Full Council meeting, the Conservative Group voted against BCP Council’s new Local Transport Plan (LTP4), which will shape transport policy across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole until 2041.

Speaking during the debate, Conservative Group Leader Councillor John Beesley questioned whether the Plan strikes the right balance between improving transport and protecting the needs of residents.

During the debate, Councillor Beesley highlighted several key concerns, including:

• Too much of the Plan relies on funding that has not yet been secured.
• It continues to prioritise reducing dependence on private vehicles, despite many residents having no realistic alternative to driving.
• Further 20mph schemes should only be introduced where there is clear evidence and local support.
• There is insufficient evidence that some proposals will reduce congestion rather than simply move it elsewhere.
• The Council refers to the BCP & Dorset Motorists petition, but does not explain what changes were made as a result of residents’ feedback.
• There remains uncertainty over which future transport decisions will return to elected councillors and which could be implemented under delegated powers.

The Conservative Group supports investment in better transport and safer roads but believes this must be evidence led, properly funded and based on genuine choice, rather than making life increasingly difficult for residents who rely on their cars every day.

Transport policy should work with communities, not be imposed upon them.

The Conservative Group also believes that nothing within LTP4 should be used to predetermine the future of vehicular access through Poole Park. Any significant proposals affecting the park should be subject to full public consultation and democratic decision-making.