Sustrans Cymru Press Release
For immediate release
For more information contact Steve Brooks on steve.brooks@sustrans.org.uk or 07525 619 622.
Sustrans Cymru’s reaction to Prosperity for All, Welsh Government’s new national strategy for Wales
Welcoming the publication of Prosperity for All, Steve Brooks National Director for Sustrans Cymru said:
“The new national strategy for Wales is a welcome development and should, if implemented correctly, focus minds within government and guide policy and spending decisions.
"Wales faces a complex set of challenges in the coming years, and Welsh Government is right to place a greater effort on tackling the root causes of problems.
"To improve Wales’ prosperity and wellbeing, Welsh Government will need to work in a new way and cast aside traditional departmental boundaries.
"The new strategy identifies walking and cycling as an area that’s key to Wales’ future prosperity and the well-being of its people.
"The first key test will be this autumn’s budget.
"Allocating more of the transport budget to walking and cycling for example, will provide greater returns for other areas like economic development and public health.
To deliver the new national strategy, Sustrans Cymru is urging Welsh Government to boost investment in cycling and walking. This cost effective investment requires minimal levels of infrastructure compared to other transport options, and it delivers significant, far-reaching benefits to the economy, health, the environment and employment.
Brooks added:
"Wales’ world leading Active Travel Act puts us in a position to take the lead and demonstrate how an increase in funding for walking and cycling can pay dividends in terms of prosperity and well-being. Local authorities and charities need certainty that Welsh Government will continue to fund the implementation of the Act”
Re-acting in detail to the document, Sustrans Cymru welcomed:
The promise of an integrated public transport network combined with measures to boost walking and cycling; including a single National Transport Plan and commitments to the South Wales Metro and North Wales Metro; Ensuring regeneration builds community resilience and boosts well-being; The commitment to support a ‘substantial increase in people’s physical activity’ and 'community approaches’ to encouraging more active lifestyles; Measures to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.ENDS
Notes to editors:
Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle.We connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and deliver a happier, healthier commute. Join us on our journey. www.sustrans.org.uk The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013: is a landmark Welsh law to make it easier for people to walk and cycle in Wales. In March this year economy secretary Ken Skates announced £31.4m of investment in transport schemes, which part fund active travel improvements. Investment in active travel delivers economic benefits as a transport measure; a bike uses only 1/5 of the road space of a car. Congestion wastes time and fuel, and prevents growth. In Edinburgh congestion is estimated to have cost £225 million in 2016. Cycling helps to beat congestion and can unlock growth. Better transport links can enhance job options and improve access to services. Walking and cycling save money on healthcare expenditure by improving physical health. Sustrans Scotland’s economic appraisal suggests the health benefits of active travel on the National Cycle Network alone amounted to £305 million in 2015 Active travel reduces conditions associated with inactivity and health expenditure, but there is enormous potential for further healthcare savings from widespread active travel
from News https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/sustrans-cymrus-reaction-prosperity-all-welsh-governments-new-national-strategy-wales
via IFTTT
source https://bondedmulchspecification.tumblr.com/post/165507327294
No comments:
Post a Comment