PEOPLE from all around Dorset have been busy sharing their views and thoughts on the future of travel and transport across the county, and there is still time to have your say.

Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are running their survey until midnight on Sunday, 3 March, enabling residents, visitors, businesses and organisations to get involved. Many people have also been talking to the councils at roadshow events.

Topics raised so far include public transport, parking, cycle routes, rail services, rural isolation, safety and congestion, and lots of innovative ideas are also being shared.

Find out more and take part in the survey 

All the feedback received will help the two councils understand the different transport needs of the diverse communities who live and work in Dorset.

This will help develop a new joint Local Transport Plan to travel safely and easily around the county, whilst protecting its special landscape.

It will also ensure the councils can secure more national government funding for the improvements people want to see.

As well as the online survey, paper copies are available at Dorset Council and BCP Council libraries. 

The analysis of all the feedback received will take place during the spring, and reporting will follow later this year. 

Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment for Dorset Council, said: "A huge thanks to everyone who has completed the survey so far, shared ideas with our transport teams or given feedback.

"This is all essential to help our two councils shape a transport plan that works for everyone, wherever you are, in Dorset. 

"There are still drop-in events taking place around the county, with added sessions in Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Gillingham. Please come along, or get in touch, if you have any questions"

Cllr Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy said: "To date, we've received around 2,000 responses to our engagement survey, which is really encouraging and shows just how important improved travel and transport is to residents, businesses and visitors across the whole county.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their input so far and ask anyone who is yet to share their views to take a few minutes to do so.

"This joint plan between Dorset and BCP councils will set out how transport infrastructure is delivered to meet some of the most demanding challenges our area faces and is needed to ensure everyone can travel safely and a lot more efficiently.

"Your views will play an important role in helping shape this and influence some key decisions moving forward."

Roadshow events have been taking place around the county, with more scheduled for February.

Anyone unable to attend an event who has a question or wants to know more is encouraged to get in touch by email at [email protected] or [email protected]

Forthcoming events:

Monday 19 February - Bournemouth Library, 2pm to 6pm

Tuesday 20 February – Charmouth Parish Council offices, The Elms, The Street, Charmouth, DT6 6LN, 10am to 1pm

Tuesday 20 February - The Guildhall, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, 3pm to 6pm

Thursday 22 February - Shaftesbury Library, 10am to 2pm 

Saturday 24 February – Dorchester Library, 10am to 2pm

Monday 26 February - Sherborne Library, 2pm to 6pm

Wednesday 28 February - Christchurch Library, 10am to 2pm

Thursday 29 February - The Chantry Fields Office, Gillingham, SP8 4UA, 10am to 4pm