Apologies:
Peter Davies RDS, Philip Ralph RDS & T2000; Ray Wilkes T2000/YDPTUG, Anne Robinson CPRE, Richard Butler BETA, Tim Sander FoE.
Present:
Clive Barton, RDS; Ian Davies, T2000, Brian Witty YHA/ CPRE; Anna Semlyen Passenger Transport Networks; Tony Plumbe, BETA; Terry Finnemore, York CTC, Anthony Rae, FoE; Colin Speakman, T2000; Dorian Speakman YHTAR

TAR response to Local Transport Plans (LTPs)
Consultation with YHTAR on the Leeds LTP left YHTAR's input ignored, and that YHTAR's submitted comments have been brushed aside. Similarly in York only three options were given, none of which included traffic reduction. The radical option was more Park and Ride schemes and railway stations. The issue of costs of obtaining a copy of the LTP was raised, as it costs £40 for the York LTP, whilst the East Riding LTP is free. After the Leeds LTP consultation YHTAR have to participate in the review, where YHTAR identifies the problems, providing, in effect, free consultancy and thereafter consultants are brought in to sort out the problems: YHTAR is therefore being somewhat exploited. It was mentioned that this situation might be mentioned to the Press.

It was agreed at the meeting that YHTAR needs to be more proactive rather than reactive to road scheme proposals, as a result putting the other side on the defensive. It was commented that there is a danger that consultation with YHAT could been seen as an endorsement of transport schemes. In needing to push a positive message YHTAR needs two weapons, the Press and public opinion.

LTPs are now fixed, and the money available is set to increase.
· Leeds gets the most money in West Yorkshire.
· The emphasis needs to shift on how the money is spent, as there will be an effort to spend money on big road schemes early on.
· Very little money is directed towards education on transport.
· It was thought that LTPs should be used to promote the good parts of the plans.
· It was noted that YHTAR members should develop contacts with transport providers about the LTPs and assess how alliances could be made.
· Rural transport Partnerships are very useful to promote in rural regions.
· Contacts with Yorkshire Forward need to be made
· Car Free days need to be promoted.

Regional Planning Guidance
CPRE and FOE have been co-operating on the RPG and by November will know the results of the work. The Regional Assembly has made a strong emphasis on rail over road. Much interest is in Leeds - Sheffield and Trans Pennine rail routes, road access in South Yorkshire, access to the region's airports, ports and waterways; there is also concern about congestion and public transport interchange facilities. Babtie were appointed as consultants to work o on the proposal and Anthony Rae has given YHTAR's views. The Regional Assembly tried to include more pro-Finningley Airport proposals but it is too late to gather more popular support.

The Yorkshire Regional Chamber is made up of representatives from business, education and local authorities, in this body the latter's number in very small.

Road Studies
A66 and A1 schemes
The A66 faces a expansion scheme costing 100 million. A package of safety measures (ostensibly what the expansion is aimed at) would cost 5 million.

There is a Steering Group and Reference Group for the A66/A1. The Steering Group is small, and includes YHTAR's Jim . The Reference Group is larger an includes NETAR, NWTAR and YHTAR. Anthony Rae represents YHTAR.

That the cause of "accidents" needs to be raised. Has it been asked whether the proposed dualling is cost effective and how will speed limits be enforced? In addition expanded road often sever footpaths.

Multi modal Study: The West and South Yorkshire motorway box
Anthony Rae is on the Steering Group and the Reference Group has a vacancy [for BETA possibly]. AR reported that this study will run for some considerable time. The results of the study will be very influential in terms of large scale investment.

Hull Multi Modal Study
. This is based on the East West corridor through the city. Nic Stoker is on the Steering Group.

YHTAR needs members to report back from meetings to the group. So far the predict and provide stage of the studies have bee done but the methodology for the studies has yet to be contracted out.

The Ten Year Transport Plan
DETR have agreed to probe the weaknesses of the Transport Plan. YHTAR need to wait for T2000's research it, to be provided by Stephen Joseph. CPRE have already highlighted the problems with the A1 Ferrybridge to Hook Moor proposals and A650 Bingley Relief Road (BRR). As a result of BETA's actions, the BRR has been referred to the European Commission for the second time, as there have been no proper environmental assessments. Whilst the preferred bidder made be announced soon, this has been delayed. The BRR is becoming an increasingly political issue. The European Commission look at BETA and DETR's views of the road - if it is found to be non-compliant official notice will be made and will halt proceedings for the road. There is a danger that the Highways Agency will contract out the construction as quickly as possible to avoid intervention. As a result BETA have contacted the potential contractors and financiers to inform them of the risks that the road construction make involve. However the money available for such schemes is increasing.

YHTAR website
Anna Semlyen will construct the YHTAR website. The website will be the public face of YHTAR, and will be based mostly on text. It will include facts and figures, a mission statement, links to organisations, the position of campaigns. The initial cost of the site will be £250 including expenses.

Rail Franchising
There has been very little consultation about re-franchising. It is found that the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority is not accessible in this region. Similarly Clive Barton has had no reply when he asked the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority about line-reopening. Suggestions like regular clockface timetabling need to be made.

However there is a meeting with the Rail Passengers Committee on 30 November at 1030 am, at the Queens Hotel, Leeds (next to the station).

Activities of YHTAR and Your Help
We need more people to get involved in the activities of YHTAR.
· co-ordinate and attend meetings
· YHTAR needs an official Treasurer
· assist in mailings

Any other Business: The Petrol Campaign
It was felt that there had been a failure by the national transport and environmental organisations to respond quickly enough to the petrol dispute. (Also known as "The Truckers Fiasco" © Chris Crean FoE Birmingham). There was no media balance about the issue especially on the part of the television news - television itself, it was noted is inundated with "Car Culture". · Air transport needs to be raised as an issue.
· The TARs need to meet Minister Lord Whitty to express their views