The current Local Transport Strategy (LTS) for North Lanarkshire was published in 2010 and therefore doesn't fully align with current national policies and strategies that have since been published.

On this basis, there is a need for a new LTS which offers an opportunity to priorities, agenda, direction, and process for change at the local level. This will provide a new 10-year LTS to replace the existing 2010 version.

The LTS will outline the future direction for our approach to the development and upkeep of the transport infrastructure within the local authority area. Furthermore, the LTS shall also outline how we will meet requirements to deliver the national and regional obligations and provide a delivery plan for meeting local challenges and objectives.

The first stage in the development of the new LTS involved collating existing baseline data and evidence. This involved a policy and strategy context review of all relevant national, regional and local documents, considering all relevant publications. The review also took into account any relevant policies and strategies of neighbouring local authorities. Additionally, a review of our existing 2010 Local Transport Strategy was undertaken to determine elements of continuing relevance that should be included in the new strategy. Data was also collated using relevant sources to update the key socio-economic and transport data within North Lanarkshire to ensure the new LTS is developed from a foundation of the latest trends.

Our initial consultation period has just ended, with our online survey having been live from the Monday, November 18, 2024, until Monday, February 17, 2025. We also had paper copies available located at our libraries across North Lanarkshire. This allowed stakeholder and the general public the opportunity to identify current problems and opportunities related to transport in North Lanarkshire.

As our initial consultation period is now complete, we will now focus on collating and analysing all survey responses. These responses will drive the development of the new LTS as they will identify the existing problems and opportunities within our existing transport policy and infrastructure.

Once the problems and opportunities have been analysed, it will allow for a draft LTS to be written. This is due for early September 2025. At this point, we will then undertake another consultation and engagement period with key stakeholders. An update will be given at this time.