Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on transport in Dorset.  

Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are running a survey from January 22 to March 3, to gather feedback and experiences. 

People are being asked what they think are the key opportunities and issues to help the councils develop a new joint Local Transport Plan.

The is aimed at allowing it to be easier to travel around the county, whilst protecting the landscape. 

The survey will cover a range of transport related topics, such as improving transport in rural areas and reducing congestion, ensuring all ages and abilities can access services, and making it easier for people to be more physically active. 

It will also seek to discover how more opportunities can be provided for affordable, available and accessible public transport, how people can be helped people to feel safer on roads and on public transport, as well as improving digital and real-time travel information.

This will play an essential role in helping the councils understand the different transport needs of the diverse communities who live and work in Dorset.

It will also ensure they can secure more national government funding for the improvements people want to see. 

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment for Dorset Council, said: “This is a joint plan that will be formed by the different needs of all residents and businesses in Dorset.  

“We want to hear your views and valuable feedback to help our future transport system meet the expectations of everyone, and the challenges facing the area.  

“This is where your journey begins to help us shape a better transport network across Dorset, so please do complete the survey.” 

The survey will be open for six weeks as part of the consultation process with paper copies and assistance available at council libraries.  

As well as the survey, there will be a series of roadshow style events held at venues across the county throughout January and February for people to share ideas and find out more. 

Details of the locations, dates and times:  

  • Monday January 29 - Weymouth Library, 2pm to 6pm 
  • Monday February 5 - Wareham Library, 1pm to 5pm 
  • Thursday February 8 - Blandford Library, 10am to 2pm 
  • Saturday February 17 - Bridport Library, 10am to 2pm 
  • Thursday February 22 - Shaftesbury Library, 10am to 2pm  
  • Saturday February 24 – Dorchester Library, 10am to 2pm 
  • Monday February 26 - Sherborne Library, 2pm to 6pm 

The analysis of all the feedback received will take place during the spring, and reporting will follow in the summer.  

The survey, along with more information  on the Local Transport Plan can be found online at  www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/local-transport-plan