The 30 year plan drawn up to help Leicestershire combat the effects of climate change

Investment in rail and public transport will also be stepped up as Leicestershire County Council gears up to draw up a new 30-year transport blueprint for the county.

The Strategic Transport Priorities (STP) report sets out where the city and county can work together.

That’s especially true when it comes to tackling poor air quality and the effects of climate change, alongside continued support for the local economy and jobs.

The STP will be discussed on Friday February 7 by county councillors.

They are expected to pave the way for a consultation later this month.

The STP is also supporting the delivery of the Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan (SGP).

The county council declared a climate emergency last year and is working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The STP also acknowledges a drive to get more car drivers and passengers on to public transport and on to cycling and walking routes.

The council wants to encourage the use of the commercial bus network and electric vehicles and increase the number of bus lanes and cycleways/pedestrian routes.

The county will develop its own cycling and walking strategy as part of the list of priorities.

Cllr Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This is a blueprint for transport priorities over the next 30 years while acknowledging that we need to combat the impacts of and adapt to climate change.

“It is also about setting out the roles which different forms of transport can play in ensuring that major growth goes ahead, but that it’s dealt with in the most environmentally-sustainable way.”

The county council also aims to improve rail services.

The report admits that services to Coventry and Birmingham must be improved.

Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor with responsibility for environment and transport, said: “We’ll continue to lobby for improvements to rail links.

“We are also committed to making further investments to support and improve bus services as well as cycling and walking networks in the city.”

County council cabinet members will discuss the report at 11am on Friday February 7.

You can tune in to watch the crucial meeting online at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/webcast