1.1 Introduction

In this introductory chapter we introduce our second Local Transport Plan (LTP) for Lancashire. We set its position in a

• national
• regional and
• local context

and explain how those policies and strategies, along with our objectives, shape what we plan to achieve.

The Transport Act (2000) requires Local Transport Authorities to prepare a 5 year Local Transport Plan setting out a transport vision and priorities for its area. This is Lancashire's second Local Transport Plan and covers the years 2006/07 to 2010/11.

The first Local Transport Plan covered the period 2001/02 to 2005/06 and resulted in many successful initiatives culminating in Lancashire County Council being named National Transport Authority of the Year 2004. Lancashire County Council has been classified by the Audit Commission Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) process as a four star authority. This designation gives the Council the freedom to choose whether or not it produces a Local Transport Plan. We have decided to prepare one in order to demonstrate and monitor the County Council's continued ambition to enhance and improve transport and accessibility.

The Government's Guidance on the second Local Transport Plan, published in December 2004 and updated in September 2005, indicates a new and very different approach to transport planning. Based around the four transport priorities shared by Local and National Government - Road Safety, Accessibility, Congestion and Air Quality - the second LTP focuses on how transport can contribute to wider local, regional and national objectives.

This document was prepared with the participation of a wide variety of stakeholders and reflects a broad range of influences. It builds on the provisional LTP of July 2005 and sets out an ambitious vision of how transport can contribute to the objectives of the County Council and make Lancashire a good place to live and work, now and in the future.