Regional Transport Policies

We need fast, large-scale transformation to meet our ambitious regional and UK-wide net-zero targets. This will aid the shifting of the current position of South Wales where it is currently identified as the worst-performing region in the UK in terms of CO2 emissions.

To enable this, we will support the growing role of zero and ultra-low emission vehicles . Our policies aim to support the uptake of zero and ultra-low emissions vehicles by residents, public sector, business and industry across the region, by:

• Working with the public, the commercial sector and utilities to identify locations and deliver vehicle charging/fueling infrastructure.
• Supporting changes to policy and standards to include a requirement for new developments to provide greater levels of electric vehicle charging.
• Supporting the delivery of new zero emission buses and the infrastructure needed to support them.
• Investing in the development of new and innovative technologies to reduce the demand on the transport network.

For more information the  policies that will help meet our net-zero targets, visit section 6.1.1 of the draft RTP.

CCR faces disparities across the region in accessing public transport, particularly between urban areas with good daytime service, and rural or Northern Valley areas with limited provision.

Our public transport strategy aims to create a reliable, cleaner, and inclusive public transport network that meets the travel needs of the CCR, by:

• Supporting the development of new stations on the rail network to extend the reach of rail services.
• Creating Park & Ride locations around the Region’s main urban areas and commuter corridors, to help tackle traffic and air quality problems.
• Working with the bus and rail industries on exploring the possibility of a ‘one ticket for all’ system across the public transport network that provides best value travel, building on the current progress made by Transport for Wales (TFW).
• Expanding evening and Sunday service provision.
• Working with the WG and TfW to update the Welsh Bus Quality Standard, making sure it reflects today’s needs and sets a clear, consistent standard for bus services across the Region.

CCR will prioritise improvements to the existing active travel infrastructure, and develop new routes for walking, cycling, and wheeling. Our policies will promote behaviour change to encourage more people to choose active travel modes, such as:

• Prioritising funding to support the development and delivery of new active travel routes and infrastructure that link to key destinations includingeducation, health and leisure facilities across our communities.
• The inclusion of secure and accessible cycle parking for standard and adapted cycles in the right locations, providing appropriate energy efficient lighting.
• Installing benches and litter bins to make routes as user friendly, attractive and safe as possible.
• Supporting local authorities in the development and implementation of measures to encourage more active journeys to/from school, such as Safe Routes in Communities schemes and School Streets.
• Encouraging local authorities to work with secondary schools to provide the necessary facilities to enable students to walk and cycle to school e.g. lockers for heavy school bags and wet weather clothing, secure cycle storage.

CCR will endeavour to ensure that our regional public transport network meets the needs and demands of citizens and visitors, improving access to tourism and leisure sites. We will work with tourism and visitor organisations, and public transport providers to prioritise public transport and encourage the development and marketing of sustainable forms of access to tourism sites.

CCR will seek to improve digital connectivity across the Region, focusing on areas with poor mobile and broadband connections, by:

• Working with network providers to improve digital connectivity across the Region, with a focus on areas with poor mobile and broadband connections.
• Supporting the provision of real-time information boards to manage traffic and provide public transport information.

CCR will seek to enhance transport links to Cardiff Airport and support the sustainable development of our ports to strengthen their roles in the growth of innovative industries by:

• Working with the airport, ports authorities and transport operators to identify potential routes based on evidence of demand.
• Collaborating with transport operators to identify opportunities for better integration of bus, rail and active travel to the airport and ports.
• Supporting opportunities to grow the existing cargo facilities at the airport and ports.
• Exploring opportunities to generate power from marine renewable energy.
• Supporting options that maximise bus and rail patronage, including freight, by connecting to the Region’s ports and airport from the wider public transport network.

CCR will support measures and interventions to reduce road traffic collisions and improve safety for vulnerable road users, including:

• Working with partners from different user groups to ensure the needs of vulnerable road users are considered during scheme development and design.
• Taking an evidence-based approach to ensure funding is invested where it is most beneficial and where accident reduction is targeted.
• Developing a Safe Routes in Communities programme for the Region prioritising locations to improve road safety and where the potential to facilitate modal shift is greatest.
• Supporting improvements to the strategic road network that reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions.

CCR faces significant congestion issues, with peak period demand regularly exceeding capacity on key highways, leading to delays and impacting economic growth. Notable congestion points include the M4 westbound near Brynglas Tunnels, the A4119 southbound near J34, and the A470 northbound near Nantgarw.

CCR aims to address congestion through various transport interventions and consistent policy setting, including interventions such as:

• Collaborating with partners to explore and develop alternatives to private car ownership to shared solutions, including car-sharing, car clubs and bike sharing.
• Investing in schemes to upgrade, improve and future-proof the road network.
• Supporting the implementation of Mobility as a Service (MaaS), a platform that allows users to plan, book, and pay for various transport options such as buses, bikes, or ride-hailing through a single app, simplifying and streamlining travel. Ensuring that safe and secure parking is provided in well-lit areas, and is clearly identified in appropriate locations.
• Supporting measures that improve the resilience of rail infrastructure to flooding and extreme weather.
• Investigating opportunities to introduce workplace parking levy schemes to encourage greater use of public transport and car sharing.