Rebalancing the road budget

Hello Supporter

The next Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) is due to be published at the end of this year and we think this is perfect time for the Government to rethink its roads programme. With Highways England already under pressure, and several road schemes set to be dropped or delayed, we’ve identified ways to help balance the road budget and support our climate objectives.

• Encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport in preference to car usage wherever possible
• Bringing forward the phase out of conventional cars to 2035 at the latest, and preferably 2030
• Increasing electric charging points from 21,000 to 210,000, plus 3,500 quick charging points around motorways
• Focusing on hydrogen to decarbonise heavy goods vehicles and increasing the 2050 target for market share of net zero emission vehicles from 13 per cent to 91 per cent.

An end to pavement parking?

We submitted evidence to a House of Commons Transport Select Committee inquiry into pavement parking this month. Pavement parking is dangerous; it causes obstructions, blocks crossing points and sightlines, encourages illegal driving on the pavement and is particularly damaging for people with disabilities.

Even when not dangerous, pavement parking takes space away from pedestrians, contrary to the principles of healthy streets and the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.

That’s why we think pavement parking should be banned in all areas, as is already the case in London. Where there are more cars than parking spaces, efforts should focus on reducing unnecessary vehicle use, and providing high quality public transport and active travel alternatives instead

Evaluation of the first year of Highways England's £317 million ‘pinch-point’ programme has shown that overall the scheme failed to cut journey times.

The programme, which was started in 2011 to relieve congestion, stimulate growth in local economies and improve safety, resulted in slight improvements to rush hour journeys, but actually created delays during the rest of the day.

Yet another example of why road building doesn’t solve congestion.

Harrogate ‘relief’ road consultation

North Yorkshire County Council are seeking local people’s views on the proposed Harrogate relief road which if built would ruin the Nidderdale Greenway and the Nidd Gorge.

Good bye till next time

Darren