Transport concerns over council's plan to pull out of partnership
Solent Transport aims to improve the movement of people in south Hampshire
Last updated 24th Jun 2024
“Disappointed” councils for the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton are urging Hampshire County Council to remain in a transport partnership.
Following Hampshire’s recent recommendation to withdraw from Solent Transport, three major councils have urged the county council to remain.
Solent Transport is a coalition of local authorities aiming to improve transport and the movement of people and goods in South Hampshire.
The partnership aims to support development in the Solent area, striving to make it greener and more prosperous. Over the past decade, Solent Transport has secured joint funding bids worth more than £150 million.
Key initiatives include the Solent Future Transport Zone, which has supported initiatives such as Breeze and the roll-out of rental bikes and e-scooters, and research into using drones for NHS medical supply deliveries.
Currently, Solent Transport includes Hampshire County Council and the unitary councils of the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
A decision on Hampshire County Council’s continued involvement will be made at a meeting on Thursday, June 27.
A spokesperson for the unitary councils expressed disappointment at the recommendation for Hampshire County Council to leave the partnership.
“As local authorities, we know that we can achieve more for our residents and businesses when we work together, especially on transport-related issues that don’t recognise council boundaries,” they said.
“While we understand the financial challenges involved, we also recognise the economic significance of the partnership for our residents and businesses in the Solent region.
“The partnership plays a pivotal role in improving transport across the Solent, evidenced by the ongoing delivery of the award-winning Solent Future Transport Zone, and has been instrumental in securing more than £150 million of vital funding over the past decade.”
The spokesperson affirmed that Solent Transport would continue with the Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council.
“We will review how best to work with neighbouring authorities, including Hampshire and the district and borough councils, who are essential in ensuring our Solent communities and those passing through our areas do so with ease.
“It would be disappointing if people living in the Hampshire County Council area no longer benefit from this work.”