Transport plan to focus on cutting congestion and emissions (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Transport plan to focus on cutting congestion and emissions

March 21, 2006 2:00 PM

The Liberal Democrats have put sustainability at the heart of their local transport plans

Cllr. Ann Reid has described how the Lib Dems in York have put sustainability at the centre of the city's transport plans. At today's (21st March) meeting of the Council's Executive Cllr Reid explained how, despite last-minute government cuts of £6.5 million, the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 would target emissions and cut congestion.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Reid (Executive Member for Planning and Transport) said "The central theme running through the Local Transport Plan 2 is one of reducing congestion and improving air quality by offering good quality alternatives to the private car, and rewarding those who drive low emission vehicles. This will be vital for us to meet our target of increasing bus journeys by almost 50% in just 5 years, and cutting peak traffic by 7%.

"People will only leave their cars at home if they have good public transport links with reliable services that cut journey times. We will be developing bus services that are orbital as well as cross city with good interchange points with waiting facilities, timetable information and cycle racks.

"We will be investigating the provision of an electric shuttle bus to link public transport interchange points with the city centre and tourist attractions.

"The business community is reliant on receiving regular deliveries but large lorries and an historic city centre don't mix. Cutting the number of lorries wishing to access the city centre could be cut dramatically by the development of a freight interchange facility on the outskirts with electric, low emission vehicles bringing the goods into the heart of the city.

"Investment in high quality pedestrian and cycle facilities and routes is an important part of the strategy for improving access to employment, education, retail and leisure opportunities for those people without a car.

"Obviously, I remain disappointed that the funding for our transport plans was cut by the government, despite having one of the best proposals in the country. However, this is a very "green" Local Transport Plan with sustainability running right through it. Rather than forcing people to change because of restrictions it will encourage people to change by offering good quality options that will meet the needs of the residents and businesses of the City."

The Executive approved the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011, which will now go forward to Full Council.