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Green Party councillors and representatives from Bristol, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire have come together to submit their joint vision for transport across the West of England, as part of the Joint Transport Study consultation.
The consultation starts the process of developing a transport plan for the West of England for the next 20 years.
Rob Telford, Green councillor for Ashley ward on Bristol City Council said:
“It is crucial that councillors from across the four authorities come together to call for a renewed transport system that reduces carbon emissions, and is safe, affordable, accessible and convenient for all of our residents to use. Public health and transport are intrinsically linked, and we have to address the air pollution that is shortening our lives and leading to premature deaths.”
Councillor Tom Leimdorfer, Leader of the Green/Independent Group on North Somerset Council said:
“Housing development in rural areas is not sustainable without much improved and affordable public transport options. The volume of traffic and the impact of heavy goods vehicles are already causing severe safety and pollution problems in our villages.”
Jonathan Carr, Green councillor for Abbey Ward on Bath & North East Somerset Council said:
“Cycling and walking routes and public transport provision in the West of England are shockingly poor and must be the focus of future transport strategies. With such inadequate provision for non-drivers many residents unable to drive through poverty or ill health are isolated and unable to access even basic amenities. We cannot allow this strategy to become solely about building more roads, which will only bring more cars and more congestion. Until there are viable alternatives to car travel, Bath will continue to be strangled by unending congestion and terrible levels of air pollution.”
Jenny Vernon, Coordinator for South Gloucestershire Green Party said:
“With poor access to effective public transport, a move to smaller, more frequent buses and the opening of rural branch lines would more effectively support sustainable economic growth in rural areas.”
Greens from across the four authorities have pledged to continue to work together to promote better public transport across the West of England that is accessible and affordable for all.