The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of County Durham Council met on Monday 16 February 2026 to discuss regional and local transport policy and delivery. The meeting focused on updates regarding transport infrastructure, active travel initiatives, passenger transport services, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Regional and Local Transport Policy and Delivery

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on transport policy and delivery within County Durham and the wider region. This discussion was informed by a report from Mark Jackson, Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment, and a presentation delivered by senior officers from Transport and Contract Services (TCS). The presentation was set to cover the impact of devolution and the North East (Mayoral) Combined Authority (NECA) on transport functions.

The report outlined the structure of TCS, comprising integrated passenger transport, strategic traffic, and transport and infrastructure projects teams, supported by strategy and delivery, and electric vehicle infrastructure teams. It detailed the multi-layered nature of transport policy, from national guidance such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, to sub-national strategies by Transport for the North (TfN), regional policies from NECA, and local plans including the County Durham Plan (CDP) and the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP). Key legislation impacting transport policy was also highlighted, including the Environment Act 2021 and the Climate Change Act 2008.

New Transport Infrastructure and Rail

The presentation was expected to provide an overview of current and future major transport infrastructure projects. Several schemes had been completed, including improvements to the A19 Dalton Park signal-controlled junction and the A19/A182 Jade junction with an active travel footbridge. Projects currently under or nearing construction include the Bishop Auckland bus station and surface level car park, the Northern Corridor active travel route, and the Milburngate transport hub. Further schemes in development for 2025/26 and 2026/27 include junction improvements on the A688 and public realm enhancements in Bishop Auckland town centre. A significant focus was placed on the potential reopening of the Leamside Line, a disused railway line, as part of the Leamside Economic Corridor strategy, which could provide additional capacity for passenger and freight services. The report also detailed significant investment secured through national and regional funding streams, such as the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the upcoming Transport for City Regions (TCR) fund.

Active Travel

Active travel, encompassing walking, wheeling, and cycling, was highlighted as an area of growth and investment, driven by national policy and the establishment of Active Travel England (ATE). The report indicated that active travel principles are embedded within local policy, governance, and decision-making frameworks, including the CDP and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs). Funding for active travel projects is primarily sourced externally through Department for Transport (DfT) allocations via NECA and ATE, as well as developer contributions. The presentation was set to demonstrate how active travel delivery contributes to improved accessibility, enhanced safety, reduced carbon emissions, and better health outcomes.

Passenger Transport

Durham County Council's passenger transport functions are delivered through an Integrated Passenger Transport Group (IPTG). The report noted the importance of integrating transport, particularly in rural areas, to maximise the use of resources and ensure consistency of standards. Patronage on local bus services had seen an increase, with 19.4 million passenger journeys recorded in 2024/25. The presentation was expected to provide further details on current route provision, performance, passenger satisfaction, and funding.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The rapid growth in the market share of fully electric vehicles was discussed, with the council playing a role in ensuring a sufficient and reliable charging network. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate 2024 sets out government targets for all new cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2035. The report highlighted a significant shortfall in charging infrastructure in the North East region. The council's EV programme, guided by the charge point delivery plan, has seen the installation of 180 charge points (330 sockets) countywide, with further installations planned through various funding streams, including the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI). The expansion of charging infrastructure aims to support national and regional targets and improve access to charging, particularly for households without off-street parking. The presentation was also set to cover the council's fleet electrification efforts.