THE results of Reading's biggest ever public consultation on the future of transport in the town have now been published.

Over the summer, the council asked residents, businesses, organisations and interest groups how they would go about tackling Reading's future transport challenge.

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The consultation had a particular focus on congestion, poor air quality and meeting the challenge to create a net-zero carbon Reading by 2030, in the context of the many thousands of extra homes which will be built in and around Reading over the coming years.

The results will help shape a new Local Transport Plan (LTP), setting the strategy for transport provision in Reading up to 2036.

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Letters were sent to nearly 80,000 households and 3,900 businesses.

More than 3,000 responses were received.

The council asked people what would be effective measures in terms of introducing more and improved sustainable transport choices in Reading.

Results show that 93 per cent said that making public transport journeys faster and more reliable; 83 per cent said a park and ride; 90 per cent said dedicated car free spaces; 92 per cent said better connected walking and cycling routes and 75 per cent said the reallocation of road space.

The council also asked what would work in terms of managing future traffic levels and demand in Reading.

As well as responses around transport themes, the consultation included more detailed feedback from interest groups and feedback on specific schemes.

This included support for the introduction of a third bridge over the River Thames to help reduce congestion in Reading, and large support for extension of public transport services throughout Reading, particularly Caversham and direct services to Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Tony Page, RBC's lead member for Strategic Environment, Transport and Planing, said: "We also know that congestion and poor air quality will only increase in Reading with the thousands of new homes being built in and around the town over the next few years, which will have a detrimental effect on the health and quality of life of local residents.

"The survey provides the Council with valuable information on the type of schemes which the public think might be effective, including the investigation of possible demand management measures, which are already operating successfully in other parts of the UK, alongside better sustainable travel choices."

The full consultation results can be found here.