Getting around much of North Wales can be a challenge.

As a largely rural region with rail and road networks often under pressure, there is widespread agreement that local transportation and connectivity need improvement.

Today, a 12-week public consultation launches, giving residents, businesses, and visitors the chance to shape the future of travel in the region.

Ambition North Wales, which also serves as the region’s Corporate Joint Committee - with responsibility for regional transport planning, strategic land use planning and enhancing economic wellbeing, is inviting feedback on the draft Regional Transport Plan for North Wales. The document sets out strategic policies and interventions for the next five years, covering all modes of transport, including rail, road, bus, walking, and cycling, and aims to provide better travel options, improve digital connectivity, and reduce environmental impacts.

The consultation represents the collective efforts and expertise of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, its Transport Sub-Committee and partners, including local authorities, Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government.

Councillor Goronwy Edwards, Chair of the Transport Sub-Committee, said “This is an opportunity for people to tell us what’s important to them and how we can improve transport links across the region. Effective transport systems connect people to essential services, link businesses to employees and customers, and support a thriving economy. I urge residents to get involved and have their say.”

Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas, Committee Vice-chair, added “Good transport links are vital for our communities. They reduce isolation in rural areas, improve access to services like healthcare and education, and boost local economies by attracting visitors and supporting small businesses. This is why we are keen to get as much input as possible so we can work together to create a transport network that works for everyone across the region.”

The plan aims to shape transport policy and investment up to 2030, replacing local transport plans and aligning with national priorities. It is seen as essential to ensure that North Wales meets future economic challenges, supports sustainable travel, and contributes to climate goals.

The consultation runs until 14 April 2025 – North Wales residents are urged not to miss the opportunity to influence the future of transport in the region.

Ends 22 January 2025

For media enquiries please contact: Bethan Angharad Airey BethanAngharadAirey@uchelgaisgogledd.cymru / media@uchelgaisgogledd.cymru / 07385 223 271

Notes to editors

• The consultation runs from 20 January 2025 for 12 weeks. Responses should be submitted by 11:59pm on 14 April 2025.
• Ambition North Wales is responsible for supporting the delivery of the region’s Growth Deal and is also the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) – with responsibilities for regional transport planning, strategic land use planning, and enhancing economic well-being.
• The CJC includes representative members from the six councils of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, and Wrexham, as well as Eryri National Park Authority for planning matters. As the CJC, Ambition North Wales is seeking views on the draft North Wales Regional Transport Plan, which outlines our strategic policies and interventions for the next five years across various modes of transport. The aim is to publish and adopt our Regional Transport Plan in the Summer 2025.
• The draft plan and consultation questionnaire are available online in a virtual exhibition room. Responses can also be emailed to northwalesregionaltransportplan@arup.com or sent by post to: FREEPOST UGC / ANW.

Paper copies of the consultation document are available at public libraries in every county.

Accessible formats can be requested by emailing northwalesregionaltransportplan@arup.com or calling 01172 405 350.