Rail schemes welcomed, but Government should be prioritising public transport over road upgrades
Responding to the Department for Transport announcement that the Government is giving the green light to over 50 road and rail upgrades, Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said:
“We’re pleased to see a number of important rail projects being given the green light today. In particular, we’re glad to see the Bristol to Portishead line finally getting the go ahead. This line was one of the projects under the Government’s hastily cancelled Restoring Your Railway Fund – also responsible for the successful Northumberland Line reopening – which we have urged the Government to reinstate to ensure other key reopening projects can also move forward.
“We are however disappointed that many more road schemes are being given the go ahead today. The best way to ease congestion, cut journey times and bring greater access to jobs and opportunities across the country is not by building more roads. It is by prioritising public transport and reducing future car dependency by putting new housing in the right place where it can be connected to public transport, walking and cycling networks from day one.”
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editor
- Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
