A NEW county-wide transport group has launched in Wiltshire that could shape how people travel for years to come.

Wiltshire Council has brought together bus operators, community groups, businesses and public sector partners for the first-ever meeting of its Sustainable Transport Forum – a new partnership focused on tackling everything from congestion to climate change.

Behind the scenes, it is about a big question: how do you make getting around Wiltshire easier, greener and safer?

The forum is designed to bring key players into one room to share ideas, data and real-life experiences, with a focus on improving public transport, boosting walking and cycling routes and supporting low-carbon travel.

At its first meeting, members were given updates on major projects already in motion, including new electric vehicle infrastructure, bus service improvements, active travel schemes and the rollout of School Streets.

There were also frank discussions about what is not working and what needs to change.

While the group will not make final decisions, it will play a key advisory role, helping shape future policies, funding bids and transport plans across the county.

That could have a direct impact on daily life, from how easy it is to catch a bus, to whether safer cycle routes or cleaner air initiatives are introduced in towns like Salisbury.

Cabinet member for highways, streetscene and flooding Cllr Martin Smith said: “This new forum is about bringing people together to help shape a transport system that works for Wiltshire, now and in the future.

“By working with partners and communities from the outset, we can develop solutions that support cleaner air, safer streets and more sustainable travel choices, while making best use of available funding.

“This inaugural meeting is the first step in what will be an ongoing programme of collaboration.”

More meetings are planned in the months ahead, meaning this is just the starting point for what could become a major shift in how Wiltshire moves.