A MAJOR consultation programme is being launched which will have a far-reaching influence on the road network of England’s biggest county.

North Yorkshire has a highways network of more than 9,000 kilometres - equivalent to the distance from the UK to Pakistan.

The roads have to be subjected to a constant programme of maintenance and improvements and now people across the county are to be invited to suggest ways of keeping it on the move.

The county council is embarking on a major consultation exercise with groups, organisations and residents, to help produce its third Local Transport Plan.

The current plan expires in March of 2011, and the council is anxious to hear people’s suggestions for what the council should be focusing on in developing its new transport policy.

Executive member for highways John Fort said the earlier plans had made a real difference to people’s lives.

"These schemes have helped us to save lives through road safety improvements; provided improved accessibility for more than 600,000 people; and increased bus use by 14 per cent overall - and 27 per cent on the most important routes," he said.

"But we do not intend to rest on our laurels. The third Local Transport Plan is our way of ensuring that our aim of keeping North Yorkshire on the move, in as safe and sustainable way as possible, is maintained and improved."

The consultation will begin with a questionnaire which will be distributed to county council members, parish and town councils, district councils, stakeholder groups and residents.

To receive the consultation questionnaire contact 0845 727374, email ltp@northyorks.gov.uk, or visit the website www.northyorks.gov.uk/ltp