To ask the Minister for Regional Development, given that the Regional Transportation Strategy consultation document acknowledges the desirability of moving people away from using car and towards more sustainable means of transport, why the twelve proposed objectives in the document do not include an objective to achieve such a modal shift; and whether he will consider the inclusion of a specific target to achieve a modal shift in the finalised strategy.

In developing the New Approach to Regional Transportation, we have outlined the Strategic aims and objectives which we want to work towards revolving around: Support the Growth of the Economy, Enhance the quality of life for all, and Reduce the Environmental Impact of Transport.

Modal shift from individual car use to more sustainable patterns of travel will play an important part in achieving these Strategic high level aims and objectives; but it is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

As the costed Delivery Plan is developed, specific targets for achievement will be set, including targets for modal shift. The targets will assume full implementation of the Strategic Transportation Interventions in the Delivery Plans and will be both challenging and realistic.