Mayor urges the government to invest in safe infrastructure
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street and Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM), want the government to invest in better infrastructure in the area to boost cycling and walking to 5% of all journeys by 2023.
The Mayor has also called for traffic enforcement powers to be devolved directly to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to allow easier prosecution of people who park recklessly and endanger cyclists and pedestrians.
The Mayor said: ” We need the government’s help to take this to the next level, making cycling and walking a safer and easier option than it is now, with beneficial impacts on traffic congestion and air pollution.”
The Department for Transport (DfT) have asked for submissions from relevant parties towards the publication of a new Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.
The Mayor added: ” We have made some significant progress in the West Midlands over the last 12 months in terms of improvements in the cycling infrastructure and promoting walking and cycling. The most obvious examples are the progress being made by Birmingham City Council on the superhighway routes on Bristol Road and Walsall Road, as well as the bikeshare scheme which will give people across the West Midlands the chance to hire bikes.”
Cllr Roger Lawrence, the leader of Wolverhampton City Council and the transport lead of the WMCA said: “We’re seeing an unprecedented level of investment in public transport in the West Midland which will have a major impact on traffic congestion. One of the most important ways we can do this is by improving the conditions for cycling and walking. While excellent progress is being made, the call for evidence from the DfT is an opportunity to push for an even greater investment, powers and devolution to accelerate the work currently taking place.”
