Transport strategy may include new roads

PLANS are being drawn up for a strategy to ensure roads and transport networks can cope with population growth.

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The population of Leicestershire is predicted to grow by 23 per cent between 2018 and 2043.

The county council said major road schemes and improvements to the existing network in key areas will be identified and developed through a proposed Spatial Development Strategy.

If work to prepare the strategy is approved by cabinet, it will consider the emerging local plans of all seven districts, alongside the concerns of communities, councillors and MPs about how growth and new development impacts traffic.

Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Population growth brings challenges, and we need to plan ahead.

“With several local plans being prepared, it is important we adopt this approach now.

“But regardless of whether new local plans come forward, population growth will place increased demands on Leicestershire’s transport system.