The first five year plan for transport in Wales is due to be published today. It will set out proposals to improve road and rail systems and plan for greener transport for Wales.
Campaigners have suggested the following should be included in the plan:
1. More traffic calming and speed restraint in residential areas to encourage walking and cycling 2. Reallocation of road space towards sustainable modes of transport
3. To extend the network of shared paths for walking and cycling, including paths segregated from traffic
4. Introduce congestion charging together with extra investment in public transport
5. Develop more safe routes to schools
6. Develop transport hubs in key rural centres
7. Measures to promote integrated transport, e.g., multi-modal ticketing, bus/rail interchanges, Smart Cards and secure cycle parking
More on this story on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8591514.stm and the plan is available on: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/det/publications/100329ntpen.pdf
These suggestions can be controversial as people have got used to the freedom of their own personal transport there is reluctance to use public transport. There are also specific problems with using public transport in many of the rural areas in Wales. As more people have used their cars there has been a reduction in the bus services for many of these areas as they become unviable economically.
Many business leaders were angered when the proposals for an M4 relief road at Newport and a new access road to Cardiff airport were dropped form the draft report. They consider this to be a set back for the economic growth of Wales.
The main political parties are committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Wales by 3% every year from next May. It is believed that the only way to achieve this will be by changing people’s attitude to transport and government polices.
Let us know what you think:
How good is the public transport system in your area and does it meet your needs?
What do you think can be done to encourage people to use greener forms of transport?
Is it realistic to expect economic growth in Wales if there is not substantial investment in roads as well as other more sustainable greener forms of transport?
Will congestion charges dissuade people from using city centres and what will be the effect on the cities?
tam@funkydragon.org