COUNCIL chiefs are expected to outline their key transport improvements for the coming five years in a North Yorkshire district.

The Draft Transport Strategy sets out Hambleton District Council's (HDC) position on transport policies, proposals and actions that are likely to have a significant effect in the area.

At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, councillors are likely to approve a consultation process for local stakeholders and service providers to see the strategy and make their comments on it. Public transport operators, local interest groups and county, town and parish councils will all be included in the process.

The document details how HDC intends to work with North Yorkshire County Council and other transport providers to improve the District's transport services and infrastructure.

The strategy also combines initiatives that are of both local and regional interest. Those with regional significance include upgrading stretches of the A1 and A19 within Hambleton, as well as improving the national coach services in the district and the passenger facilities at local train stations.

HDC's planning officer Tammy Adams, said: "The strategy is important in that it ties together all the council's existing and future transport policies and projects into one document. It will make things a lot clearer."

The projects and actions that HDC intends to take highlight several common themes, they include:

* Achieving a better, more integrated, safe and sustainable transport system, which is capable of meeting the needs of residents, workers, businesses and visitors.

* Improving public transport and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians in order to promote healthier and more environmentally sustainable travel.

* Promoting design and parking polices to steer new development to locations served by a variety of travel modes.

* Ensuring the existing highway network is safe, efficient and well maintained.

* Promoting social equality by reducing transport barriers faced by young, elderly and mobility impaired people, and the socially and economically disadvantaged.

HDC is already participating with the development of Traffic Management Studies for both Northallerton and Easingwold, with the aim of reducing congestion in the town centres and improving parking, public transport facilities and safety.