Lancashire Environment 2002
Traffic Levels
Traffic flows on major roads in Lancashire have generally increased by between 10% and 30% between 1990 and 2000. Growth outside this band will be partly due to changes in the network.
On some of the busiest stretches, including parts of the M6 and M61, increases have been as high as 69%. There have also been significant falls on some routes indicating displacement from one route to another.
Nationally there has been an increase in traffic flows on major routes of 19% over the same period.
As the indicators in the 'Global Atmosphere' section show, transport accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in Lancashire and almost 40% in national figures. LCC's Local Transport Plan contains a commitment to limit the growth in road traffic to 1% per year. Any reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases from traffic therefore will require improvements in engine or fuel efficiencies.
Work is now being undertaken to quantify congestion patterns in the major towns in Lancashire.
What is the role of LCC and other agencies?
The Highways Agency is responsible for the trunk roads; the County Council is the Highway authority for all other roads.
LCC prepares the Local Transport Plan for Lancashire which contains policies covering all types of transport.
The County Council is introducing new infrastructure to encourage greater use of public transport, cycling and walking. Planning policies within the Structure Plan aim to reduce the need to travel.
Source: Data: Lancashire County Council
This Map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission
of Ordnance Survey of behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office
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Lancashire County Council Licence No: 076716 2002