MEMBERS of the public have been given the opportunity to comment on Transforming Travel’s proposals.

BCP and Dorset Council have invited the public to comment on Transforming Travel’s proposals for five of its sustainable travel routes in south east Dorset ahead of formal consultation next year.

The plans are funded through the transforming cities fund and form a major part of the region’s Transforming Travel programme.

The region is set to benefit from improvements including 78kms of new cycling and walking routes, smart technology to provide improved bus travel options and green travel hubs - all aimed at offering environmentally friendly, safer and quicker journeys to work, education and leisure in south east Dorset.

Initial feedback on five of the proposed sustainable travel routes can be made via an online engagement platform until mid-December.

The five proposals are: Bournemouth railway station to and from Jumpers Common, Christchurch, Bournemouth town centre to and from Ferndown, Poole town centre to and from Merley, Poole, Poole town centre to and from Ferndown and Wimborne, and Merley, Poole to and from Christchurch.

Feedback will be used to inform the design plans, with formal consultation due to start on Transforming Travel’s sustainable travel routes early next year.

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability at BCP Council said: “These sustainable infrastructure plans will make walking, cycling and travelling by bus much more attractive and give people viable alternatives to using the car, particularly for short journeys.

“Online engagement enables people to see and have their say on Transforming Travel’s plans despite the current national lockdown.

“I urge people to visit the website and help shape plans for transforming travel in south east Dorset.”

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment at Dorset Council added: “I am pleased that people have the opportunity to help shape initial plans for major, multi-million-pound sustainable infrastructure changes in south east Dorset, all aimed at creating a greener, healthier and better-connected region.”

The plans, available to view until mid-December, can be accessed via mobile phone, tablet or pc by visiting https://haveyoursaybcpcouncil.uk.engagementhq.com/transforming-travel.