Issues of alignment: linking transport planning to integrated development planning

Abstract

The Municipal Systems Act (32/2000) establishes the integrated development plan (IDP) as the delivery mechanism for local authorities to fulfil their developmental mandate. The National Land Transport Transition Act (22/2000) outlines the framework for preparing land transport plans (LTPs); this Act stipulates that LTPs must, “be accommodated in and form part of integrated development plans” (sub-section. 18). In terms of the legal requirements for the two plans, this report therefore examines:  the specific requirements of these plans;  the nature of the transport sector’s link to the IDP; and then  outlines the alignment issues. As a backdrop to understanding the alignment issues between LTPs and IDPs - the relationship between land use and transport modelling is analysed. Alignment and linkage recommendations in this report are packaged, in terms of:  Substantive issues - here discussions point to the necessity of reconnecting transport with land use in the arena of corridor development. This new opportunity of integrating land use and transport planning is facilitated by the integrated spatial development framework (SDF) of the IDP.  Procedural issues - here horizontal sector planning alignment issues are outlined. Recognition of the IDP as the central municipal plan is established and a way in which LTPs need to link the IDP is described.  Inter-spherical issues – here the IDP is identified as the tool for co-operative governance, as such the IDPs link to transport plans across the spheres of government is outlined.