Comment

Representation ID: 22631

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: National Highways

Transport
It should be noted that we had anticipated that a new transport evidence base would be
submitted in support of the plan. By providing a transport evidence base, we as the
Strategic Highway Authority have a clear and defined reference for working alongside
Local Highway Authorities to plan for and mitigate against the impacts of forthcoming
future development, enabling infrastructure for growth.

A number of the documents that form the evidence submission in support of the plan are
considered dated, or in the case of the Black Country Plan Transport Modelling Study,
are unavailable for review. Therefore, a refresh of the evidence base should be
considered.
We welcome and fully support the plans statements on the need for and integrated and
sustainable transport network that seeks to encourage modal shift to public transport and
active travel.
However, we are uncertain about section of Policy TRAN 1 and what it contains as it is
considered out of date, or referencing schemes which are not committed.
M6 Junction 10
We are working collaboratively with Walsall Council to deliver the junction improvement
scheme at M6 Junction 10. This scheme aims to resolve the significant congestion and
traffic delay experienced at this location. It is anticipated that the scheme will be
completed by 2022.
We therefore conclude that it is not necessary to include M6 Junction 10 in Policy TRAN
1 and it should be removed.
M5 Smart Motorways
There are no plans or commitments for the implementation of Smart Motorways on the
M5 Corridor within the Black Country. In addition, it is unclear the rationale on which this
requirement has been based, as it has not supported with ourselves. We therefore
recommend that this scheme needs to be removed from the Local Plan and Policy TRAN
1.
M54 – M6/M6 Toll Link
The Development Consent Order (DCO) examination for the M54 – M6 Link Road has
now closed and the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State has written
its recommendation report which has been submitted to the Government. The Secretary
for State for Transport now has three months to make a decision.
Therefore, we consider the scheme can remain in the Local Plan but the reference needs
to change to remove reference to the link to the M6 Toll. Therefore, the scheme should
be renamed as the M54 – M6 Link Road.