Three options become two as the next stage of the investigation into travel proposals for Penarth and the Cardiff Bay Barrage is completed (WeITAG Stage Two).

The three options that were considered as part of this stage were:

• Active travel proposals for Penarth within the Vale of Glamorgan's Active Travel Integrated Network Map

• Bus Park and Ride and sustainable transport links across Cardiff Barrage

• Multi-modal sustainable transport interchange at Cogan Railway Station

Now that the second phase is over, these three recommended options have been reduced to two.

It is recommend that Option 1 and 3 are progressed for further appraisal at WelTAG Stage Three.

The report states that:

Option 1 - should be progressed to WelTAG Stage Three. This option performed most positively of all the options throughout the Strategic Case appraisal and was the most well-supported of the three options receiving the most positive responses during the WelTAG Stage Two consultation activities.

The appraisal should consider the potential transport benefits of all active travel measures, with an additional recommendation to take forward the Penarth Headland Link (PHL) as part of a separate implementation programme to the other active travel measures due to the complexity and large-scale context of the PHL proposal, as well as to allow the PHL appraisal to more widely reflect its potential leisure and tourism benefits.

Option 2 - Progression for further appraisal is not recommended. Option 2 received the most negative responses during the WelTAG Stage Two consultation activities, particularly in relation to the potential impact that the introduction of buses on Cardiff Barrage could have on the existing Active Travel route.

Issues relating to the proposed location of the park and ride, which was Cosmeston, was a common issue raised through the stakeholder and public consultation.

Contributors worried about the it would mainly attract users from the Lower Penarth, Sully and Cosmeston areas and not attract users from Penarth itself or from areas further afield such as Barry.

Option 3 - was recommended to progress for further appraisal. It states that a partnership approach between Transport for Wales and Vale of Glamorgan Council provides the framework to take forward the appraisal.

The objectives for the study were developed through the WelTAG Stage One stakeholder and public consultation events, a review of previous studies and consideration of the identified problems.

Each potential objective was also assessed in terms of its ability to contribute to each of the well-being goals and five ways of working as set out in the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The WelTAG study objectives are:

1. Enhance sustainable connectivity throughout the Penarth Cardiff Barrage transport corridor to achieve modal shift away from the private car towards public transport and active travel;

1. Reduce barriers that constrain opportunities to increase travel by sustainable transport modes;

1. Increase sustainable transport options that improve accessibility along the Penarth Cardiff Barrage transport corridor and support social inclusion, health and wellbeing;

1. Deliver sustainable transport improvements that encourage increased economic activity and support long term investment;

1. Introduce sustainable transport measures that protect and enhance the historic, built and natural environment.

The scrutiny committee will consider the report fully before sending it to the Vale cabinet for consideration.

If it is approved then the two final options will go on to be considered in the third stage of the study.