Consultations are underway to improve our town’s travel network, in a bid to make it safer to walk and cycle around Penzance – and there’s still time to have your say.
The proposals are part of the Sustainable Travel Network project, which was launched under the Town Investment Plan that brought £21.5million to the town in 2021.
Now better known as the Town Fund, the funding is being used to futureproof Penzance and Newlyn’s economic growth, while supporting and inspiring the neighbourhoods living within them.
As part of this, the Sustainable Travel Network is focused on bringing to life the local ambition of creating a more sustainable and attractive town, enabling residents and visitors to make more sustainable and greener choices for how they travel by:
- Creating more public space and greenery in Penzance
- Building a network of safe and accessible walking and cycling paths
- Reducing traffic congestion and pollution
- Improving the health and well-being of residents and visitors
- Supporting the local economy and regeneration
A series of town-wide consultations and community feedback sessions have already been held in the first steps to making this vision a reality, but deadlines are now fast approaching (ending 1st August 2024) to have your say on the two first projects to be drawn up for final consultation.
The first consultations are:
Causewayhead
Deadline: 1st August 2024
Consultation reference: 2294
Scheme reference no.: Infra24-018
The aim of this proposal is to make it safer to walk and cycle around Penzance with traffic calming measures, including improving walkway and cycling connectivity around Causewayhead.
As shown in the plans, it also includes a move to improve crossings and introduce additional open green space on the high street.
You can view the full consultation details here, and keep reading to find out how to have your say.
New Road ( Wherrytown to Newlyn)
Deadline: 1st August 2024
Consultation reference: 2291
Scheme reference no.: Infra24-078
The part of the scheme will see the installation of a VAS (Vehicle Activated Sign) sign displaying 20mph and two new signalised, raised table puffin crossings.
The goal behind these changes is to provide safe, improved access across New Road and into Newlyn Green for pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs or with prams.
View the full consultation details for more information, and keep reading to find out how to have your say.
How can I get involved?
There are a couple of ways you can have your say on the plans, and make sure your voice is heard before the final deadlines later this week.
First, you can view and comment on the proposals by clicking here and registering for an account (just search for the chosen proposal using the reference to comment).
The other option is to email Infrastructure Design at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk, quoting the scheme name and reference, and indicating your support or objection to the proposals.
We recommend putting in your comments as soon as possible, to ensure all opinions are collated by the 1st August deadline.
Where does Sustainable Penzance sit in all of this?
Our mission as a community organisation is to help local voices be heard in key decision-making, bring positive change to the town and work towards building a more sustainable future for all.
As part of this, we helped to draw up the original Town Investment Plan (TIP), which found success in landing millions of pounds in funding.
While we stood down from the board once the funding was secured, we have remained a member of the ‘Sustainable Transport Working Group’, to help ensure those transport plans are as effective as possible in delivering the original TIP promises, with the budget available.
This was the natural next step of the initial Healthy Streets pilot schemes (read all about those right here) and fits in with our goals for more sustainable transport options for all across the town including:
- Reduced unnecessary traffic in the town centre
- Reduced air pollution and carbon emissions from transport
- Reduced car dominance & use, by enabling proper alternatives
- Increased accessibility and safety for everyone
- Improved environment, health & wellbeing and economy
- Support and access for all residents and businesses
That last one being absolutely key.
The aim is not to penalise drivers. We live in a rural community and some people rely on cars to get around. The aim is to help those of us who can leave the car at home for short journeys, do just that. By – but not limited to – making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport. It’s a complex thing which has more than one approach.
These latest plans are just one part of the approach and aim to make it safer to walk and cycle around Penzance, and to encourage more active travel across Penzance. And they are also still to be finalised, so please do have your say on them.
Keep an eye on our socials for the next consultations, as more project plans emerge.
Our Facebook page is here.
And you can follow our Instagram here.
