Refreshed Local Transport Strategy 2026-30 approved
A refreshed Local Transport Strategy to provide the vision and priorities for the county's transport network over the next four years was approved by Cabinet.
Our Local Transport Strategy (LTS) 2026-2030 is aimed at responding to significant challenges including East Lothian’s growing population, the Climate Change emergency, and ongoing financial constraints.
The LTS sets out an overarching framework for a greener, more affordable and better-connected transport system to serve the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.
Strongly aligned with Scotland’s National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2), the LTS is built around the national priorities of reducing inequalities, taking climate action, delivering inclusive economic growth and improving health and wellbeing.
The Cabinet approved the adoption of the LTS at their meeting on 8 September.
The meeting heard a report on the LTS and its commitment to the provision of cleaner and safer travel options. This would be achieved by encouraging more walking, wheeling, and cycling for everyday journeys while boosting public transport connectivity and ensuring the road network remains well maintained and resilient.
Sustainable transport
Other key priorities include expanding the active travel infrastructure, enhancing the accessibility and reliability of bus services, and promoting journey hubs that connect different modes of transport.
The refreshed LTS builds on progress made since the introduction of the previous Local Transport Strategy in 2018. This includes the opening of the new railway station at East Linton, major investments in active travel routes and the introduction of parking management schemes.
Cabinet noted that the implementation of the LTS will depend on the availability of both council resources and external funding opportunities, including financial support from Transport Scotland, South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran), and developer contributions.
Future projects will be supported through a range of our programmes, including the Active Travel Improvement Plan, the Road Asset Management Plan, the Road Safety Plan and the Parking Management Strategy.
Performance will be assessed through strategic outcomes centred on improving accessibility, raising the use of sustainable transport, supporting economic development, and fostering healthier communities.