RESIDENTS are being asked to give their view on how to improve transport in the borough.

A draft transport strategy has been put forward by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council to help reduce traffic congestion in the area.

In the past 10 years several transport changes have been introduced including significant improvements to key junctions throughout the borough.

The draft transport strategy has been developed to look at a number of measures to further improve transport and travel around the urban areas, including ways to reduce traffic congestion, and improve public transport, walking and cycling provision and access to the town centre.

Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at the borough council, Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “This joint strategy between the borough council and county council sets out our combined ambition for the future.

“We hope that our residents will respond to this consultation. We need to know their views, whether in support or suggesting improvement.

“Transport plays such an important role in all our lives and this strategy, when finalised, will underpin the decisions made by both councils in the future.”

The views of residents will inform a new shared vision for transport infrastructure improvements and set the priorities for further investment for Basingstoke over the coming years.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at the county council, said: “We’re working with colleagues at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on a draft transport strategy to prioritise what needs to be done to improve how people travel through and within Basingstoke both now, and as future ambitious development plans come to fruition, for example at Manydown, in the town centre and Basing View.

“As the town grows and evolves, it’s important that the right travel and transport infrastructure is put in place so that Basingstoke can continue to prosper and be an attractive and healthy place where people live, work and visit.”

The strategy is supported by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which has invested up to £36m in Basingstoke’s transport infrastructure to support capacity, protect existing jobs and unlock future employment and growth opportunities.

Kevin Travers, Enterprise M3’s head of transport, said: “We are pleased this consultation is taking place to support the future development of the town. It will help to support Enterprise M3’s emerging Local Industrial Strategy which seeks to transform local economies.”

The consultation on the draft proposal runs until Monday, 28 January. To have your say visit hants.gov.uk/basingstoketransportstrategy.