Partners Come Together to Shape Future of Sustainable Transport in Wiltshire

Friday, 23 October 2026 at 05:30

Transport providers, community groups, businesses and public sector organisations attended Wiltshire Council’s latest Wiltshire Sustainable Transport Forum to share ideas, highlight progress and help shape the future of sustainable travel across the county.

The forum showcased a wide range of initiatives designed to improve how people travel around Wiltshire, from walking, wheeling and cycling projects to bus service improvements, accessibility planning and support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities to travel independently.

Attendees heard how Wiltshire Council is strengthening active travel provision across the county, including plans backed by an additional £1.5 million of Community Infrastructure Levy funding over the next three years to deliver new active travel infrastructure. The council is also working to improve its Active Travel England capability rating, helping to unlock future opportunities and investment.

Updates were also provided on bus services which support access to healthcare, education, employment and other essential destinations, alongside work to develop a new Bus Network Accessibility Plan to improve journeys for disabled passengers.

The forum highlighted the importance of partnership working, with contributions from a wide range of organisations including the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, which is working to connect the Kennet & Avon Canal with the Thames and unlock new active travel opportunities. Speakers from public health, education, land-use planning, leisure, community engagement and transport specialists emphasised how collaborative approaches to sustainable travel can improve health, reduce inequalities, strengthen communities and support economic growth.

The Wiltshire Sustainable Transport Forum meets twice a year and gives organisations and community representatives an opportunity to discuss challenges, share best practice and collaborate on creating a more connected, accessible and sustainable transport network for Wiltshire.

Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The Sustainable Transport Forum is all about bringing people together to share ideas, tackle challenges and help shape the future of transport in Wiltshire. By working with our partners and communities, we can make it easier for people to travel safely, sustainably, and independently while supporting healthier and more connected communities.”

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