Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013

4Integrated network maps

(1)Each local authority must—

(a)prepare an integrated network map, and

(b)submit it to the Welsh Ministers for approval.

(2)For the purposes of this Act, “integrated network map”, in relation to a local authority, means a map showing—

(a)the new active travel routes and related facilities, and

(b)the improvements of existing active travel routes and related facilities,

that the local authority considers are needed to develop or enhance an integrated network of active travel routes and related facilities in designated localities in its area.

(3)In preparing its integrated network map a local authority must consult—

(a)all persons who have requested the local authority that they be consulted about its integrated network map, and

(b)any such other persons as it considers appropriate.

(4)In preparing its integrated network map a local authority must have regard to the desirability of—

(a)promoting active travel journeys, and

(b)securing new active travel routes and related facilities and improvements in existing active travel routes and related facilities.

(5)In preparing its integrated network map a local authority must have regard to guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers as to—

(a)the consultation and other steps to be taken in preparing it,

(b)the period to which it is to relate,

(c)the matters to be shown on it, and

(d)its form.

(6)A local authority must submit its integrated network map to the Welsh Ministers for approval—

(a)before the end of the period of 3 years beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, or

(b)if the Welsh Ministers by direction given to the local authority specify a date after the end of that period as the date by which it must be submitted to them, no later than that date.

(7)If the Welsh Ministers decide not to approve an integrated network map submitted to them by a local authority under this section, they may by direction given to the local authority require the local authority—

(a)to revise (or further revise) it, and

(b)to submit it to them for approval no later than the date specified in the direction.

(8)In determining whether to approve an integrated network map submitted to them by a local authority under this section the Welsh Ministers must consider whether the local authority has complied with subsections (3) and (5) in preparing it.

(9)Once an integrated network map prepared by a local authority has been approved by the Welsh Ministers, the local authority—

(a)must keep it under review,

(b)may revise it, and

(c)must submit it to the Welsh Ministers for approval before the end of each period of 3 years beginning with the day on which it was last approved by them.

(10)The Welsh Ministers may by direction given to a local authority specify a period different from that in subsection (9)(c) as the period before the end of which the local authority must submit an integrated network map to the Welsh Ministers for approval.