4.2 North Lancashire

4.2.1 About Lancaster

The District of Lancaster lies in the north of the County, adjoining Cumbria and North Yorkshire. It is approximately 576sqkm in area. The city of Lancaster and the towns of Morecambe and, Heysham are the three main urban areas, forming a single conurbation. A large rural area contains a number of villages and is served by the market town of Carnforth at its heart. Lancaster is a historic city on the River Lune. Travel between Lancaster and Morecambe is made difficult by congestion on the city centre gyratory system which takes in the two road bridges over the River Lune. The Millennium Bridge, a dedicated pedestrian/cycle bridge opened in 2001, has completed a vital link in the local network of paths.

Lancaster University is a leader in research into Information and Communication Technolology and environmental issues. InfoLab21 is an international Centre of Excellence for research and development into communication systems and computer networks, employing more than 250 researchers and experts. The £25 million Lancaster Environment Centre is a joint venture between the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the University of Lancaster. 300 researchers and lecturers work in a state-of-the-art laboratory on the University campus. The campus lies south of the city at Bailrigg, which is also the location of a Regional Investment Site.

Morecambe is a seaside town which is undergoing a renaissance. Regeneration of the West End area includes the promenade and the Grade II listed Midland Hotel. Heysham is another seaside town, with a port serving passenger and freight to Ireland and the Isle of Man. It also has a nuclear power station. Outside the urban areas, farming remains an important industry. Away from the movement of commercial vehicles, the countryside offers great opportunities for sustainable leisure activities of walking, cycling and riding, as well as observing wildlife.

The residential population of the District is approximately 137,000 with an overall increase of 2% between 2001-2004. The percentage increase in population exceeds that of Lancashire, North West and England and Wales showing that the District continues to be an attractive location to live. The population density of Lancaster District is 237 people per square kilometre compared to 467 for Lancashire and 351 for England and Wales, a relatively low value due to the high proportion of rural area in this large district. The population of the District includes a large proportion of students at Lancaster University and St Martin's College, which skews the age profile of the District compared to Lancashire as a whole.

Table 4.2.1a Resident Population by Age Group mid 2004 %

	Age Band
	0 - 14	15 - 24	25 - 44	45 - 64	65+
Lancaster	16.7	17.4	24.7	23.6	17.6
Lancashire	18.6	13.1	26.6	25.1	16.7
North West	18.4	13.3	27.6	24.6	16.1
England & Wales	18.2	12.9	28.7	24.2	16.1

Source: Lancashire Profile

Table 4.2.1b Socio-economic Groups 2001 %

	Employed	Never worked	Long-term unemployed	Full-time students	Not classifiable
Lancaster	64.7	2.1	1.2	13.4	18.6
Lancashire	70.1	2.8	0.9	6.8	19.4
North west	68.9	3.1	1.1	7.0	19.9
England & Wales	71.4	2.7	1.0	7.0	17.9

Source: Lancashire Profile

4.2.2 Journey to Work

Car ownership is lower than the average for Lancashire. Earnings are similar to those in other Districts but lower than the average for the North West. Travel to work in Lancaster shows notably higher proportions of journeys on foot and by cycle and correspondingly lower levels of car journeys.

Table 4.2.2a Car Ownership by  Household %

	No Car	One Car	Two Cars	Three plus Cars	Cars/Household
Lancaster	28	46	21	7	1.03
Lancashire	25	45	24	6	1.12
North West	30	44	22	4	1.02
England & Wales	27	43	24	6	1.11

Source: Census 2001

Table 4.2.2b Journey to Work by Mode %

	Working from home	Metro, light rail or tram	Train	Bus or coach	Motor cycle	Car driver	Pass enger	Taxi	Bicycle	On foot	Other
Lancaster	9.7	0.1	1.3	5.6	1.2	55.2	7.4	0.7	3.8	14.3	0.7
Lancashire	9.0	0.1	1.0	6.3	1.0	59.4	8.0	0.8	2.4	11.5	0.5
North West	8.4	0.6	1.9	8.6	0.9	58.4	7.5	0.8	2.3	10.3	0.5
England & Wales	9.2	3.0	4.1	7.4	1.1	55.2	6.3	0.5	2.8	10.0	0.5

Source: Census 2001

Lancaster’s labour market is relatively self-contained, with 83% of jobs taken by residents. 17% of residents travel to work outside the district, giving a net outflow of 2,900. The levels of walking and cycling are both high, but with 29% of journeys to work under 2km and 53% under 5km, there is scope to transfer even more journeys to walking and cycling through School Travel Plans, the Cycling Demonstration Town Project and Personalised Travel Planning.

Lancaster District has a number of industrial areas with varying levels of size and accessibility. White Lund lies north of the Lune and vehicles must cross the congested River Lune bridges to access Lancaster City or the M6. Smaller industrial areas exist west of Lancaster City, south of Heysham and in Carnforth.

4.2.3 District Communications

Lancaster District’s transport networks for pedestrians, cycles, road vehicles and trains are well used at all times of the day, with peak periods extending beyond the traditional peak hours. The highway network is highly used for local movements with the majority of journeys to work being intra-district. The high proportion of local movements has influenced modal choice, with the proportion of private car users being lower than other Districts and cycling and walking being popular. Other factors that impact on modal choice are the proximity of residential areas to centres and the high number of students in the District.

A high proportion of vehicle movements cross the Lancaster City Vehicle Cordon bringing congestion to the local network. All journey types use this local highway network at all times of the day producing a very flat profile for both inbound and outbound movements (see the following graph).

Figure 4.2.3

4.2.4 Road Network

The M6 runs north-south to the east of Lancaster City. Junctions 33 and 34 serve Lancaster and Junction 35 serves Carnforth. The Primary Route Network includes the;

• A6 running north south through Lancaster City
• A589 linking Lancaster to Heysham via Morecambe
• A5105 linking Morecambe to Bolton-le-Sands, and
• A683 linking Lancaster to the M6 at Junction 34.

Other A roads and a number of B, C and unclassified roads complete the highway network.

4.2.5 Highway Usage

Many roads in the District, particularly those in and surrounding Lancaster City, have high levels of traffic. In the city centre, for example, the A6 has an average daily flow of over 20,000 vehicles per day northbound and over 24,000 southbound. The highway network in Lancaster City is made up of three linked gyratory systems. This arrangement suffers from congestion over an extended peak period. A number of roads and key signalised junctions in the District include bus priority measures to reduce bus journey times and increase reliability.

The completion of the Heysham-M6 Link will reduce journey times to the Port of Heysham, Heysham Power Stations and the Economic Development Zone north of the Lune. It will remove through traffic from urban areas, reducing congestion. This will lead to greater reliability of bus services, lower risk of road casualties and higher air quality. The Link will have a parallel cycle path and highway space will be re-allocated to give better access for buses, cycling and walking and to improve the public realm.

4.2.6 Buses

The District is currently well served by buses and includes three Quality Bus services along the main transport corridor from Heysham to the University via Morecambe and Lancaster City Centre. In 2004, passenger numbers grew by 12% on the Lancaster and Morecambe network, putting it amongst the 15 fastest growing networks in the country. Further Quality Bus improvements are currently being implemented between Middleton and the University.

4.2.7 Private Cars

Private cars are the predominant mode of transport accounting for approximately 93% of vehicles on the highway network. They make the greatest contribution to existing congestion levels and poor air quality in the declared AQMA. However, the use of the private car for the journey to work movement is only 55%, below the average for Lancashire. Lancaster City Council is currently developing a Parking Strategy for off street car parks. Together with improved management of the highway network, it will direct drivers to vacant parking places and reduce wasted trips in the city centre.

4.2.8 LGV Movement

The movement of goods on particular links is high compared to other parts of the local, regional and national network. The major generators of LGV movements are Heysham Port, the Nuclear Power station at Heysham and local industry. The impact of these vehicles on the network is dependent on local highway characteristics, highway network layout and route choice. Influences that affect route choice include existing congestion around Lancaster City Centre and the preferred historical routes for vehicles accessing the motorway network.

The major movement at Heysham Port is unitised roll-on roll-off traffic to the Isle of Man and, on a smaller scale, to Ireland. Movements of other goods constitute only a small proportion of total tonnage. Traffic movement on the highway network near the port is influenced by sailing times and by the nuclear power station.

4.2.9 Rail

Lancaster is served by West Coast Main Line services with a local service to Bare Lane, Morecambe and Heysham Harbour. From Carnforth, trains go west to Silverdale and Barrow and east to Wennington and Leeds. Lancaster has slightly higher patronage levels than Lancashire as a whole and this may be due to the number of stations in the District.

4.2.10 Active Travel

Lancaster has a network of off road cycleways established on former railway lines and the canal towpath, also open to pedestrians. The centrepiece is the Lune Millennium Bridge. Walking and cycling offer an alternative to the peak hour congestion on the main corridors leading into Lancaster. They also offer a practical and economical form of transport for students and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Cycling Demonstration Town Project will build on the existing cycling infrastructure and Personalised Travel Planning will promote the use of the growing infrastructure. Car journeys transferred to active travel will reduce the number of car journeys into the city centre, reducing congestion and improving air quality.

The Millennium Park and Cycleway stretches along the Lune Valley from the estuary at Glasson Dock to Lancaster and upstream as far as Caton. It serves as a route to work on weekdays and as a leisure route at weekends and in the holidays.  Under the Rights of Way Improvement Plan we will build a network of multi-user bridleways to improve access from urban to rural areas. Schemes under development include;

• North Lancashire Bridleway
• Safe Road Crossing near Scotforth
• Carnforth Bridleway Project
• North Bowland Bridleway Network
• Hornby Railway Link
• Bare to Hest Bank Safe Route to School.

4.2.11 Home Zones

The Home Zone in Poulton, Morecambe, was funded by the DfT as part of a national pilot. This deprived area has also attracted Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder status, which enabled community involvement in addressing their highway concerns. The Home Zone was completed at the end of 2004 and a survey indicated that there has been a marked improvement in people’s perception of the area. The scheme will be a model for larger improvements and new developments.

4.2.12 Developments

A number of areas within the District will be developed during this LTP period. The impact of any development on the transport network must be minimised and meet the County Council’s objectives. Evidence of the suitability of measures and their impact on the shared priorities may be required in areas such as a declared Air Quality Management Area.

4.2.13 Air Quality and Congestion in Lancaster City

The high volume of vehicles using the constrained and sensitive network of the city centre results in excessive queuing and high levels of congestion, leading to poor air quality. In 2004, Lancaster City Council declared an Air Quality Management Area in the city centre and is required to undertake a Stage IV Assessment of air quality. The Stage IV Assessment includes the collection of additional traffic data and an increase in the number of nitrogen oxide monitoring sites from 6 to 20. It is expected that annual average NO2 concentrations at relevant locations will exceed the Government’s objectives.

Figure 4.2.13 Lancaster Air Quality Management Area

Results from the Stage IV Assessment combined with our highway modelling work have helped us to understand the transport network and predict the impact of LTP schemes. The Councils are working closely together to ensure that suitable measures are provided on this sensitive network to alleviate the problem of air quality and also to contribute to the LTP objectives and the Government’s shared priorities. The LTP schemes for Lancaster also form part of the Air Quality Action Plan. Their impacts on transport are detailed below and their impacts on air quality within the AQMA are included in the Air Quality chapter. The Annual Progress Report will include details of the agreed Air Quality Action Plan. We will also report the effect of LTP and Action Plan schemes on the transport network and air quality.

4.2.14 Key Schemes in Lancaster

There has been regular consultation and participation with the Local Strategic Partnership and meetings have taken place with Lancaster City Council to develop schemes to meet the LTP objectives. The key schemes for Lancaster, aimed at specific problems or specific locations, are;

• Heysham to M6 Link
• Lancaster City Centre Air Quality Zone
• Cycling Demonstration Project
• Personalised Travel Planning
• Morecambe West End Neighbourhood Schemes.

The prospect of developments in Lancaster does offer the opportunity of developer funding towards transportation schemes. Whilst we are developing a number of schemes, the nature of development makes it difficult to determine when these funds will become available. Schemes under development include Park & Ride and Intelligent Transport Systems including Variable Message Signs to improve network management.

The following table lists the five key schemes and their impact on the four shared transport priorities.

Table 4.2.14

Summary of Key Schemes in Lancaster and their expected impacts
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Shared Priority
				Congestion	Accessibility	Safer Roads	Air Quality
Heysham to M6 Link	Heysham to M6	Lancaster District	All modes	Reduced traffic flows in urban areas will reduce congestion.	Reduced delays on journeys to Heysham Port. Reduced traffic flows and reallocation of road space in urban areas will improve accessibility.	Reduced traffic flows and reallocation of road space in urban areas will improve road safety.	Free flowing traffic will give reduced emissions.  Reduced traffic flows in urban areas will improve air quality.
Lancaster City Centre Air Quality Zone	Lancaster City Centre	Lancaster City Centre	All modes	Measures will reduce traffic in the city centre and reduce queuing and congestion.	Measures will reduce traffic in the city centre and improve access for buses and active travel.	Measures will reduce traffic in the city centre and improve road safety for all road users.	Measures are designed to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality in the AQMA.
Cycling Demonstration Town Project	Lancaster and Morecambe	Lancaster and Morecambe	Cycling Walking	Car journeys transferred to cycling and walking will reduce congestion.	New measures will improve accessibility to services for cyclists and walkers.	New measures will improve road safety for cyclists and walkers.	Car journeys transferred to cycling and walking will reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Personalised Travel Planning	Lancaster and Morecambe	Lancaster and Morecambe	Bus Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to bus, cycling and walking will reduce congestion.	Improved individual journeys to employment, schools and other services.	Car journeys transferred to bus, cycling and walking will improve road safety.	Car journeys transferred to bus, cycling and walking will improve air quality.
Morecambe West End Neighbourhood Scheme	West End, Morecambe	West End, Morecambe	Car Walking Cycling	Reduced traffic flows in residential areas.	Reduced traffic flows and lower speeds in residential areas will improve accessibility for vulnerable road users.	Reduced traffic flows and lower speeds in residential areas will improve road safety for vulnerable road users.	Reduced traffic flows in residential areas will improve air quality.
Other Schemes
Park & Ride	Corridor into Lancaster and City Centre	North of District, Corridor into Lancaster and City Centre	Car Bus	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce car journeys into the city centre.	Reduced traffic flows will increase accessibility in city centre for vulnerable road users.	Reduced traffic flows will increase road safety in city centre for vulnerable road users.	Reduced traffic flows will improve air quality in the city centre.
ITS and Network Management	Lancaster City	Lancaster City	Car Rail Bus Walking Cycling	Better network management will reduce city centre mileage and congestion.	Better network management will improve access to vacant parking places.	Better network management will reduce city centre mileage and improve road safety.	Better network management will reduce city centre mileage and emissions.

4.2.15 Heysham-M6 Link Road

This new road will complete the link between the Port of Heysham and the M6. We submitted a Major Scheme Business Case at Programme Entry in July 2005 and have now made a Planning Application. Further details are contained in the Major Scheme Proposals chapter. The scheme has been included in the Regional Funding Allocation Programme. The new road will;

• reduce delay on journeys to the Port of Heysham
• support the local economy
• improve access to business areas north of River Lune
• take through traffic out of residential and commercial areas
• reduce road casualties and improve air quality
• allow reallocation of highway space to walking, cycling, public transport and the public realm.

4.2.16 Lancaster City Centre Air Quality Zone

Pending the outcome of the Stage IV Assessment, preparations are being made for an Action Plan to improve air quality in the Lancaster AQMA. All options for improving air quality will be assessed and the measures taken forward to a formal Action Plan will be decided through a process involving stakeholder and public consultation. A package of measures drawing upon the experience of similarly affected cities will be taken forward incrementally to meet local conditions. The opening of the Heysham-M6 Link road will also affect the area.

The objectives are to;

• limit admission of vehicles that does not meet specified emission standards
• support the use of vehicles using cleaner fuels including cars, buses and taxis
• support modal shift to walking, cycling and public transport
• provide a healthier environment within the zone
• reduce impact of traffic whilst maintaining accessibility, viability and vitality
• reduce total vehicle emissions in the zone
• improve network management through ITS.

4.2.17 Cycling Demonstration Town Project

The DfT Cycling Demonstration Project pilot will build upon the cycling infrastructure already in place in Lancaster to produce a sharp increase in the levels of cycling. The objectives are to;

• produce growth in number of journeys made by bike
• reduce congestion and journey time
• support Air Quality Zone and Personalised Travel Planning
• improve accessibility to essential services and promote social inclusion.

4.2.18 Personalised Travel Planning

Personalised Travel Planning aims to educate people about sustainable transport and reduce dependence upon cars. It includes a range of targeted marketing techniques to encourage the switch from car journeys to walking, cycling and public transport. It will target households in selected residential areas and their regular journeys to schools and workplaces. The project will promote the use of existing transport infrastructure including the Millennium Bridge over the River Lune, segregated cycleways and Quality Bus routes. The objectives are to;

• produce modal shift on important corridors, reducing solo car use by 10%
• reduce congestion, air pollution and journey times
• support the Air Quality Zone and Sustainable Cycling Project
• support Business and School Travel Plans.

4.2.19 Morecambe West End Neighbourhood Scheme

This area-wide scheme will reduce traffic flows and speeds in the West End of Morecambe. It will improve road safety, increase air quality and improve the local environment. Works will include;

• virtual road tables to reduce traffic speeds
• review of on and off-street parking
• programme of Residents Parking schemes
• 20mph zones.

The scheme will improve accessibility to essential services, promote social inclusion and help to regenerate the West End. It will complement;

• the area Masterplan Winning Back the West End
• the Public Realm and Movement Strategies
• the Personalised Travel Planning Project
• the Sustainable Cycling Town Project.

The table below lists the LTP2 measures and their expected impact on Lancaster's network.

Table 4.2.19

Summary of Key Schemes in Lancaster and their calculated impact on the network
Scheme	Scheme Area	Target
		Impact Area	Mode	Impact on car/person trips
				Peak periodi		Daily
				am	pm
Heysham to M6 Link	Heysham to M6	Lancaster District	Cars	-5104	-5104	-33700
			LGV	-255	-255	-1685
Lancaster City Centre Air Quality Zone	Lancaster City Centre	Lancaster City Centre	All Modes	Details of measures to be developed and agreed and the effects to be determined
Cycling Demonstration Town Project	Lancaster and Morecambe	Lancaster and Morecambe	Car	-50	-50	-200
			Cycle	50	50	250ii
Personalised Travel Planning	Lancaster and Morecambe	Lancaster and Morecambe	Car	-160	-160	-1100
			Cycle	30	30	200
			Walk	80	80	600
			PT	50	50	300
Morecambe West End Neighbourhood Scheme	Morecambe West End	Morecambe West End	All Modes	Targeted movements will be transferred to other suitable routes. New movements will use non-car modes.
Other Schemes
Park & Rideiii	Corridor into Lancaster and City Centre	North of District, Corridor into Lancaster and City Centre	Cars	-250	-250	-600
			PT	250	250	600
ITS and Network Management	Lancaster City	Lancaster City	Cars	Unknown
			LGV	Unknown

4.2.20 About Wyre

The Borough of Wyre lies in the north west of Lancashire reaching from the Fylde Coast in the west to the Forest of Bowland in the east. The western part, within the Fylde Coast conurbation, contains the three largest communities - Fleetwood, Thornton Cleveleys and Poulton-le-Fylde. The remaining part of Wyre is largely rural, with unspoiled countryside extending into the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wyre district covers an area of 283 square kilometres with a population of of approximately 109,300 people. It has a population density of 386 people/square metre, in between the value for Lancashire at 467 and that of England and Wales at 351.The main centres are;

• Fleetwood (26,840) has established a wide range of manufacturing and service companies as well as a tourism in place of the once dominant fishing industry. A roll-on roll-off ferry service operates from the port to Larne in Northern Ireland.
• Thornton Cleveleys (31,160). Thornton is a centre for services whilst Cleveleys is both a local centre and a seaside resort. Like Fleetwood, they both have a range of established manufacturing and service companies and tourists attractions.
• Poulton-le-Fylde (19,480) is the administrative centre with a role as a market town.
• Garstang (6,290) is the market town at the heart of a large rural area. Workers commute to Lancaster, Preston and the Fylde Coast.
• Preesall (4,780) provides a focus for the community of Over Wyre.

Based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, Wyre is ranked at 161 out of the 354 Local Authorities in the country, close to mid-table. In December 2005, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits was 1.3%, below the average for Lancashire of 1.8%. The number of households that do not possess a car is 23%, also below the average for Lancashire of 25%. However, prosperity is not spread uniformly across the district and there are pockets which suffer badly from deprivation. Within Fleetwood, one SOA is amongst the most deprived 5% in the country, three are in the worst 10%, and one more in the worst 20%. At the other extreme, four SOAs in Wyre are amongst the least deprived 10% of all areas in the country.

Wyre's Community Plan has a vision of thriving communities, prosperous businesses, with opportunities so that all residents can achieve a good quality of life. It will improve the local economy by;

• Securing improvements to the transport infrastructure, particularly the A585
• Maximising growth potential of the port of Fleetwood
• Increasing job opportunities by supporting the Fleetwood and Thornton Development Site
• Supporting the development of the rural economy
• Improving public transport services across the borough
• Increasing the impact of tourism and cultural services on the local economy.

The Local Transport Plan will implement schemes to support all these proposals.

4.2.21 Local Services

Hospital services are provided by the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust, which serves a total population of 330,000 local residents. Blackpool Victoria Hospital is the main acute hospital, with a community hospital in Fleetwood.

Wyre Primary Care Trust serves a population of 122,000 patients. The Trust supported the Local Community Partnership in setting up the Dial-a-Ride service Wyldefyre to take patients from rural areas to appointments for healthcare. The service has grown from one bus to three, and Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority declared Wyldefyre the Effective Partnerships Winner in their Achievement Awards in 2005.

The seven LEA secondary schools in the Wyre District are concentrated in the Fylde Coast, with three in Poulton, two in Fleetwood and one in Thornton Cleveleys. The remaining school in Garstang attracts students from a large rural area and requires a large school bus operation. Rossall School is an independent school between Cleveleys and Fleetwood. Blackpool and the Fylde College has its main campus in north Blackpool, but has a local campus plus the Nautical College in Fleetwood. Myerscough College has grown from a College of Agriculture and now offers a broad range of courses. Higher Education is within easy reach at Lancaster University and the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.

Table 4.2.21

Principal industries	Wyre employee jobs	Wyre %	Lancashire %	GB %
Wholesale and retail trades	6,200	18.4	17.1	17.9
Health and social work	3,900	11.4	12.5	11.4
Manufacturing	3,700	10.9	19.1	12.6
Education	3,700	10.9	9.7	9.0
Public admin and defence	3,500	10.5	6.2	5.4
Business and other services	6,500	18.9	22.0	31.0

Source: ONS - Annual Business Inquiry, 2003

Businesses and employment are also concentrated on the Fylde Coast. Services are the greatest employer at 80%, including 4% in the tourist industry. Manufacturing employs 11% and construction 7%. Future development will be concentrated in the Fleetwood-Thornton corridor, based on the Hillhouse site and the Fleetwood Docks estate. Totalling 103 hectares, they lie within the urban part of the Borough and have ready access to the County’s strategic road network. They will contribute to the economic needs and prospects of the sub region.

The Department for Work and Pensions has two local offices and is a major employer, with a combined staff of 6,000 at the offices in Warbreck, north Blackpool and Norcross, Fylde. Both sites have completed travel-to-work surveys and introduced Green Transport Plans. The Norcross office has installed an LPG station to supply the dual fuelled vehicles in the pool car and messenger van fleets and is planning to improve the access by bus.

The Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust has a total staff of 4,400. 3,000 of these are employed at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, which lies within the Blackpool border, midway between the town centre and Poulton-le-Fylde in Wyre. The Healthy Transport Plan identifies measures to reduce dependence upon the car for journeys by staff and visitors. It promotes the use of public transport and sets targets for increased levels of walking, cycling and car-sharing.

Fleetwood and Thornton Cleveleys offer local shopping. Blackpool, St Annes and Lytham offer healthcare, education, employment and shopping. Residents of rural Wyre have Garstang as a market town and are within reach of Blackpool, Preston and Lancaster for other services.

The Lancaster Canal passes through Wyre on its way from Preston to Lancaster. Its popularity as a destination for sustainable tourism has grown now the Ribble Link provides a connection to the national canal network.

4.2.22 Transport Network

Transport links within the Fylde Coast area are important for economic growth and for access to services including employment, healthcare at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and education at Blackpool and Fylde College. The Joint Lancashire Structure Plan is prepared by the County Council working closely with Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council. The County Council in partnership with Blackpool Council, the three District Councils, the Regional Assembly and the Highways Agency has commissioned a Fylde Coast Sub-Region Transport Study to consider the options available to meet future needs.

Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Council have worked together to submit a joint bid for the renewal of track and tramcars on the Blackpool-Fleetwood tramway. The Lifestyle Line bus service received funding from the Urban Bus Challenge. Operated in partnership between Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council and local employers, it improvse access to employment, schools and colleges. Lancashire supports Rideability which provides Community Transport on the Fylde Coast.

Transport and accessibility schemes contribute to the quality of life within communities, bringing better health and supporting social inclusion. Rural bus services like the Wyre and Fylde Villager provide vital links within the community. The Wyldefyre Dial-a-Ride service takes patients to their healthcare appointments and the Wyre Rose, the new Fleetwood-Knott End ferry, will provide a valuable link to Over Wyre. They all contribute to the aims of the Wyre Strategic Partnership and subsidiary partnerships including the Community Safety Partnership.

4.2.23 Journey to Work

Table 4.2.23a Car Ownership in Households %

	No Car	One Car	Two Cars	Three plus Cars	Cars/Household
Wyre	23	47	24	8	1.16
Lancashire	25	45	24	6	1.12
North West	30	44	22	4	1.02
England & Wales	27	43	24	6	1.11

Source: Census 2001

Table 4.2.23b Journey to Work by Mode %

	Working from home	Metro, light rail or tram	Train	Bus or coach	Motor cycle	Car driver	Pass enger	Taxi	Bicycle	On foot	Other
Wyre	10.0	0.5	1.0	4.3	1.1	62.1	7.7	0.6	3.4	8.5	0.8
Lancashire	9.0	0.1	1.0	6.3	1.0	59.4	8.0	0.8	2.4	11.5	0.5
North West	8.4	0.6	1.9	8.6	0.9	58.4	7.5	0.8	2.3	10.3	0.5
England & Wales	9.2	3.0	4.1	7.4	1.1	55.2	6.3	0.5	2.8	10.0	0.5

Source: Census 2001

54.7% of employees live and work in Wyre. 20,390 travel to work outside the Borough and 9,770 travel into Wyre, a net outflow of 10,620. Journeys to work rely very much on the car. Bus and tram use is below the county average, reflecting the sparse services in the rural areas. Cycling is above the Lancashire average, but walking is below average. As journeys to work are short - 29% of trips to work are less than 2km and 50% are less than 5km - a network of safer and more convenient paths would promote walking and cycling.

4.2.24 Roads

Road links from the district are generally satisfactory to the main transport arteries that provide national and international access. The M6 runs through the eastern side of the district from the Wyre boundary with Preston up to the boundary with Lancaster and beyond. The A6 runs parallel to the M6. The A586 joins Garstang and Catterall in the east of the district across to Poulton-le-Fylde in the west, continuing on to Blackpool. The A588 runs north from Poulton to Lancaster. The A587 travels southwards from Fleetwood to Blackpool. The A585, still a Trunk Road, links the M55 at Junction 3 to the port of Fleetwood.

The A585(T) between the M55 and Fleetwood is under some pressure. In addition, the highway demands resulting from regeneration planned through the Blackpool Masterplan, Fleetwood to Thornton Development Corridor and growing demand for freight access to the Port of Fleetwood, will place significant pressures on the principal highway infrastructure. A steering group made up from Lancashire County Council, North West Regional Assembly, Highways Agency, Fylde Borough Council, Wyre District Council and Blackpool Council engaged a consultant to carry out a Fylde Coast Sub-Regional Transport Study to develop an over-arching strategy for access to the sub-region and identify solutions to;

• increasing volumes of traffic on the A585(T) between the M55 and Fleetwood
• congestion and environmental problems adversely affecting the local communities along the A585 (T)
• increasing traffic volumes and congestion on north-south routes in Blackpool and throughout the urban coastal strip
• growing demand for freight access to the Port of Fleetwood and all-user access to the Wyre Peninsula; and
• provision of capacity and access to support regeneration of the Blackpool and Wyre urban areas.

The focus was on strategic access and the identification of the major transport constraints to development. The study considered the options available and the final report made a number of recommendations on the way forward. We will put these forward in a Public Consultation exercise in early 2006 before deciding the best way to proceed.

The local highway network of the Fylde Coast shows strain at peak hours. In the mosslands, rural roads require more expensive maintenance to maintain access to rural businesses.

4.2.25 Rail

Wyre lacks a railway network. The only station within the district is at Poulton-le-Fylde on the Preston-Blackpool North line, where the Garstang Super 8 bus provides a link with rural communities. Buses run from Fleetwood and Blackpool to connect communities with main line trains at Preston and Lancaster.

4.2.26 Buses and Trams

The tramway line runs from the ferry dock in Fleetwood through Cleveleys to Starr Gate at the end of Blackpool's Golden Mile. For most of its journey it runs within its own reserved strip. In 2005 Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council submitted a joint bid to the Department for Transport for funding to renew all the track and procure new vehicles. The County Council will also provide new facilities for tram and bus passengers waiting at Victoria Square, Cleveleys.

Blackpool Transport runs commercial bus services on the Fylde Coast from Blackpool to Poulton, Thornton and Fleetwood. Conventional services are supplemented by the Lifestyle Line, funded by Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council and local employers to improve access to the essential services.

The County Council operates a network of rural services between Preston and the Fylde Coast under the brand of the Fylde Villager and, in Over Wyre, the Wyre Villager. In autumn 2005, the County Council, in partnership with Blackpool Transport, extended Line 2 to run from Blackpool to Poulton and on to the ferry slipway at Knott End. The bus runs half-hourly during the day and hourly in the evenings and on Sundays and greatly improves access to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The Garstang Super 8 is a rural service established with Rural Bus Challenge funding to provide a link from Over Wyre to the services in Garstang and Poulton for people beyond the reach of conventional services. The low floor, easy access minibuses will deviate from their normal route to provide a door-to-door service if requested. From Garstang, through ticketing is available on the Stagecoach services to Preston, Blackpool, Lancaster and Morecambe. Quality Bus services are to be introduced onto the Line 14 cross-border service which runs from Fleetwood to St Annes via Blackpool.

The Lifestyle Line L1 runs from Blackpool to Fleetwood, linking essential services at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool and the Fylde College and the Department for Work and Pensions offices at Warbreck and Norcross. Community Transport provides a dial-a-ride service for people unable to use conventional services. Wyldefyre is a Dial-a-Ride service which takes people to their appointments at health centres and Blackpool Victoria Hospital. It was established by Lancashire County Council, the Countryside Agency and Wyre Primary Care NHS Trust working through the Local Transport Partnership. The service has steadily grown and in 2005 it was the Effective Partnership winner in the Achievement Awards of the Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority. It was also shortlisted for the Accessibility Award in the Bus Industry Awards.

4.2.27 Fleetwood-Knott End Passenger Ferry

The passenger ferry from Fleetwood serves Knott End and the Over Wyre area. It takes five minutes to cross the River Wyre, saving a 20 kilometre journey by road. Previously, the ferry operated only in summer, and the vessel was able to sail only in calm conditions. Working in partnership with Wyre Borough Council and the Countryside Agency, the County Council has commissioned a new vessel able to provide a more reliable service which can operate in winter too. Named the Wyre Rose, it will enter service in Spring 2006. Water jets give it great manoeuvrability and its special boarding ramp, together with improvements on shore, allow wheelchair access.

From the ferry dock in Fleetwood, buses and trams allow journeys along the Fylde Coast and it is just a short walk into the town centre. Bus services to Lancaster and Poulton meet the ferry at Knott End. If the ferry is unable to operate owing to essential maintenance, or at times of extreme tides or weather conditions, a bus service will maintain the connection between Fleetwood and Knott End.

4.2.28 Active Travel - Cycling and Walking

Trips made by cycle and on foot reduce dependency on the car. In many cases routes can be shared by cyclists and walkers, promoting both modes. On the Fylde Coast, cycling and walking can provide access to education, employment and other services. The countryside of Wyre reaches into the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides attractive rides and walks for leisure. Cycle tourism is important to the village of Scorton.

The Wyre Local Plan recognises that there are compelling reasons to provide networks for cyclists for their safety and to provide more convenient routes between homes and destinations. The relatively flat area has traditionally had high levels of cycling. However, the cycle to work rate in Wyre declined from 6% in 1981 to 3.4% in 2001 in part due to increased traffic, changing employment patterns, people living further from work and a lack of attractive cycle routes. For example, the A585 Trunk Road has few cycling facilities but there is little alternative for journeys between Fleetwood and Poulton. In 2001 Fleetwood had the highest cycle to work levels, with over 7% of journeys to work being made by bicycle, whilst in Poulton this figure was only 2.2%.

National Cycle Route 6 has been completed from Lancaster to Preston passing through the rural area of Wyre. Route 62 which goes along the Fylde Coast should be completed by 2012. The route along the Promenade was recognised as the most important cycle route in Fleetwood in the survey into cycling attitudes carried out by the University of Central Lancashire. It would extend the route along the Promenade from Blackpool, providing a traffic free route from Blackpool to Cleveleys and Fleetwood and adding to the tourist attractions of the area. However, the promenade is not officially open to cyclists.

The track of the railway from Poulton to Fleetwood offers another route that will serve walkers and cyclists on both practical and leisure trips. The Wyre Rail and Cycle Partnership was set up in Spring 2005 to explore opportunities for utilising the existing rail link from Poulton railway station to Burn Naze. It will provide a cycleway beside the railway and expand cycle ways throughout the Wyre district in a project being carried out under the Market Town Initiatives banner. Providing cycle parking is an important means of encouraging people to cycle, and there are cycle stands in all the main centres.

Walking is promoted as a healthy activity in Wyre jointly by Wyre Borough Council, Wyre Primary Care Trust and the Countryside Agency. The Walking Wyre initiative encourages people to walk more as a way of improving their health and fitness. It contributes to the national Walking - the Way to Health initiative setup by the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency. Wyre offers a wide choice of walks. The Wyre Way is a long distance route that follows the River Wyre from source to sea, while a series of Circular Walks offers shorter excursions within Wyre. Scorton Millennium Way provides a safe footpath to local services.

The following schemes are amongst those identified in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan to improve access between urban and rural areas;

• North Lancashire Bridleway
• Safe Road Crossing near Gubberford Lane, Cabus
• Wyre Coastal Trail multi user route
• Safe Road Crossing of A585.

4.2.29 Key Schemes in Wyre

There has been regular consultation and participation with the Local Strategic Partnership as well as meetings with Wyre Borough Council in developing schemes to meet the Local Transport Plan objectives. The key schemes for Wyre are;

• Fylde Coast Transport Improvements
• Blackpool-Fleetwood Tramway upgrading
• Fleetwood to St Anne's Quality Bus - Line 14
• Cleveleys Bus/Tram Interchange
• Wyre Package of Cycling and Walking Measures.

The table below lists the five key schemes and identifies their impact on the four shared transport priorities.

Table 4.2.29

Summary of Key Schemes in Wyre and their expected impact
Scheme	Scheme Area	Impact Area	Modes Affected	Shared Priority
				Congestion	Accessibility	Safer Roads	Air Quality
Fylde Coast Transport Improvements	Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre	Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre	All modes	The range of improvements set out in the Fylde Coast Sub Regional Transport Study is currently undergoing public consultation which will be completed in Spring 2006. Measures contained in the new Plan contribute to all the above objectives.
Blackpool-Fleetwood Tramway Upgrading	Blackpool and Wyre	Blackpool and Wyre	Tram	As trams run in their own reservation, they do not take up road space. Car journeys transferred to tram will reduce congestion.	Reduced journey times and improved access to essential services in Blackpool, Bispham, Cleveleys and Fleetwood.	Car journeys transferred to tram will reduce traffic levels and road casualties.	Car journeys transferred to tram will reduce traffic levels and emissions.
Fleetwood to St Annes Quality Bus Line 14	Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre	Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre	Bus	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and congestion.	Improved access to all services; Blackpool town centre, Devonshire Road Hospital, Blackpool Sixth Form College, DfW&P Offices and Freeport.	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and increase road safety.	Car journeys transferred to bus will reduce traffic flows and vehicle emissions.
Cleveleys Bus/Tram Interchange	Cleveleys	Cleveleys	Bus Tram	Car journeys transferred to bus and tram will reduce  traffic levels and congestion.	Easier interchange and improved access to town centre services in Cleveleys.	Car journeys transferred to bus and tram will reduce traffic levels and road casualties.	Car journeys transferred to bus and tram will reduce traffic levels and vehicle emissions.
Wyre Package of Cycling and Walking Measures	Wyre	Wyre	Walking Cycling	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will reduce congestion.	Improved access to schools and local services and an attraction for cycle tourism.	Journeys transferred to segregated cycleways will increase road safety.	Car journeys transferred to walking and cycling will reduce vehicle emissions.

4.2.30 Fylde Coast Transport Improvements

The Highway, Regional and Local Authorities jointly commissioned a study of the Fylde Coast Sub-Regional Transport Study to develop an over-arching strategy for access to the sub-region. The focus was on strategic access and the identification of the major transport constraints to development. It was to identify the problems of increasing traffic flows and then identify options to meet the needs of economic growth in Wyre, Blackpool and Fylde.

The study considered the options available and the final report made a number of recommendations on the way forward. We will put these forward in a Public Consultation exercise in early 2006. The chosen measures will be progressed with our partners in the period of the LTP2.

4.2.31 Blackpool-Fleetwood Tramway Upgrading

The tramway has made an important contribution to public transport and to tourism on the Fylde Coast for 120 years. The infrastructure is approaching the end of its life and the upgrade is essential to the continued operation of the tramway. The scheme will provide low-floor vehicles and fully accessible platforms and stops and will renew the track and electrification infrastructure. It will also remodel and extend the tram and bus depot to introduce modern operational practices.

The Regional Economic Strategy identifies Blackpool's Masterplan as a project crucial to the transformation of the North West economy. In July 2005 Lancashire County and Blackpool Councils jointly submitted a Major Scheme bid to provide a rapid transit system capable of supporting regeneration on the Fylde Coast. The scheme has been included in the Regional Funding Allocation Programme.

4.2.32 Fleetwood to St. Anne’s Quality Bus - Line 14

Quality Bus services are to be introduced onto the Blackpool Transport Line 14 cross-border service which runs from Fleetwood to St Annes via Blackpool. This busy service links residents to essential services throughout its route. These include Blackpool Town centre, Blackpool Sixth Form College, the Department for Work and Pensions Head Office at Norcross and Freeport shopping complex.

Blackpool Transport has already introduced branded low floor buses to this busy route and the County Council, in partnership with Wyre Borough, Fylde Borough and Blackpool Council, will erect new bus shelters to improve the comfort of waiting passengers and implement bus priority measures to reduce journey times and improve reliability.

4.2.33 Cleveleys Bus/Tram Interchange

Victoria Square is the principal tram stop for services in Cleveleys. It is a local interchange between the tram and bus services to Thornton and local destinations. New shelters will improve the comfort and security of waiting passengers and promote the use of bus and tram and improve interchange between them.

4.2.34 Wyre Package of Cycling and Walking Measures