Bypass pledge and faster bus services in plan

HEREFORDSHIRE'S new Local Transport Plan, setting out the county's transport priorities until 2041, is about to be approved.

- GAVIN MCEWAN Local Democracy Reporter

The 93-page plan, which Herefordshire Council's Cabinet is expected to formally back this week, follows extensive consultation with local organisations and residents earlier this year.

It is now confirmed that the promised bypass west of Hereford will enable the "de-trunking" of the main A49 through the city, taking it out of the National Highways network.

This will enable "faster and more reliable" bus journeys, while "key corridors', yet to be listed, will be given bus priority or even bus-only status.

This in turn will boost the viability of bus services between Hereford the market towns, with half-hourly services to and from Ross-on-Wye and Leominster.