Meeting the needs of future generations
Transport connects people and communities, helps businesses thrive, supports jobs and creates prosperity. It’s a powerful and dynamic tool for community cohesion, social justice and inclusive economic growth.
Llwybr Newydd - the Wales Transport Strategy will shape transport in Wales over the next 20 years. It prioritises people’s travel needs and the fight against climate change.
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
Our approach to sustainable development aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. It outlines seven well-being goals and five ways of working to help public services meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
In June 2024, we became a named body under the legislation, which includes a legal requirement to draft and publish well-being objectives alongside a well-being statement.
Our well-being objectives
Our four well-being objectives outline how we plan to fulfil our commitment to future generations. We’ve developed these to integrate and align with the seven well-being goals. Each of our corporate objectives directly impacts more than one goal and has knock-on positive impacts across all goals.
These objectives are outlined in our well-being statement. They’ll guide us to ensure all our decision-making considers the needs of the people of Wales, now and in the future.
1. Enabling people and communities
Through our community-centred approach, we’ll create a transport network that serves everyone in Wales and the borders, so they feel confident to use it for their travel requirements. We’ll work with the communities we serve to understand their needs and build a transport network that contributes to a more equal Wales.
To support a healthier Wales, we’ll promote walking, wheeling and cycling by creating infrastructure that encourages physical activity and reduces barriers to active travel.
We’ll provide clear travel information and help those less confident. Ensuring our network is easy to use, reduces transport inequality and empowers people to travel independently.
2. Benefiting the environment
We’ll continue building a greener, more efficient transport network that empowers people to travel more sustainably and promotes biodiversity.
Working closely with communities and environmental stakeholders, we’ll design innovative transport solutions that reduce harmful emissions and integrate sustainable design principles that support wildlife and ecological systems.
We’ll be efficient by following a circular economy approach. We’ll use materials and construction methods that minimise our environmental impact and build transport networks that conserve biodiversity.
3. Supporting local areas and the economy
We want our transport network to help grow the Welsh economy and help communities thrive. We’ll align our infrastructure projects with opportunities for local businesses, supporting jobs and driving regional prosperity.
We’ll adopt the latest technology, integrate solutions and address transport affordability as a priority. We’ll ensure our network is accessible to all socio-economic groups with equitable access to work, education and essential services.
Through collaborative planning, we’ll design a transport system that supports regional growth, stimulates innovation and creates meaningful opportunities for the communities we serve.
4. Elevating Welsh culture and language
We're committed to supporting the Welsh language and providing low-carbon and affordable options to make Welsh arts, sports and culture more accessible. We'll place the Welsh language at the heart of our services, infrastructure, signage and communications.
We'll connect people to cultural destinations, historical landscapes and heritage sites by working with local cultural and heritage experts and community groups. We’ll follow a sensitive approach to minimise any negative impact on historic or protected environments. Through this holistic approach, we’ll use our transport network to serve people, preserve culture and enhance Welsh communities.
