December newsletter
This month we update on two upcoming reports that have been shared with our stakeholders and Department for Transport sponsors.
We have news on the launch of our monitoring reports which will track and share progress on our freight strategy, plus the latest Western Gateway STB job vacancies.
Alternative fuels for freight
We look forward to presenting our Alternative Fuels for Freight Strategy with our consultants Atkins at the December Board.
The strategy has been undertaken in collaboration with Peninsula Transport STB. It examines the opportunities and barriers associated with the transition to alternative fuels for freight vehicles.
The next step is to undertake the shortlisting of potential locations for hydrogen refuelling and electric vehicle charging stations, with the work to be undertaken by Midlands Connect STB on behalf of the Department for Transport.
Strategic cycle network report
Our Strategic Cycle Network report will be presented by Atkins and Sustrans at the December Board.
This report identifies key cross-boundary cycle routes in the region in order to facilitate longer distance cycle journeys. Twenty-three priority routes have been identified and assessed for deliverability, impact and costs.
We look forward to engaging with Local Authority cycling and walking offices to further develop the interventions and ensure the Western Gateway STB cycling strategy can support their ambitions regarding future funding for cross-boundary active travel network building.
EV workshop in January
Work has now commenced on a first phase of evidence gathering and baselining led by Dorset Council with support from WECA to review existing local authority strategies across the Western Gateway area.
A first workshop will be held in January 2023, and we will liaise with the Peninsula Gateway STB to seek opportunities for joint working.
Dorset Council is also currently developing a consultancy brief to undertake the regional demand assessment as required by the Department for Transport’s Taking charge: the electric vehicle infrastructure strategy.
Monitoring reports for freight
The second meetings of our freight forum sub-groups (for road, rail and aviation and maritime) have successfully taken place, as has our second freight steering group meeting.
Now that we have moved on to delivering the interventions as prioritised in our freight strategy published in July, an annual monitoring report will be launched to update on the progress being made. The inaugural monitoring report will be available in the spring.
Also this month
As well as these new regular newletter updates direct to your inbox, you can keep up to date with our news on Twitter @WestGatewaySTB.
This month we posted our Senior Transport Officer job vacancy and information about our freight forum meetings, along with sharing news from our colleagues across our constituent authorities, our associate members and other STBs.
We also welcomed our new ministers and reshared our freight strategy in support for RHA’s National Lorry Week. Read more
You can keep up to date with all our work by following us on Twitter @WestGatewaySTB and subscribing to our newsletters by emailing westerngateway_stb@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
