Sustrans welcomes Assembly inquiry into walking and cycling law

SUSTRANS WELCOMES ASSEMBLY INQUIRY INTO WALKING AND CYCLING LAW

Sustrans Cymru has welcomed the announcement by the Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure & Skills Committee that it will review the success of the Active Travel Act.

The Act, passed in 2013, was the first of its kind in the world, and requires local authorities to improve conditions for people making everyday journeys on foot or by bike.

The law came into force in 2014 after a campaign by Sustrans, mandates local authorities to map existing routes people use for everyday walking and cycling, and lay down plans for future improvements.  The aim is that that each local authority will have a network of safe, convenient and connected routes that will allow people to ditch their cars, and make shorter trips by foot or by bike instead.

The Assembly committee will question Welsh Government ministers and officials over how the Act is being implemented, as well as hearing from other interested parties.

Commented on the announcement, Steve Brooks, National Director of Sustrans Cymru said:

“We warmly welcome the move by the committee to review how well this important legislation is being delivered.  Wales is very good at writing laws and drafting strategies, but all too often, things fall short when it comes to delivery.

Having led the campaign for the Act, Sustrans is eager that it’s implemented properly.  Whilst Welsh Government and individual local authorities have made a good start, there’s still much that needs to be done.

The Assembly committee has a vital opportunity to look in detail at what’s working, what’s not working and provide recommendations back to government on how it can make improvements.  Funding is hugely important, and Welsh Government needs to lever in more investment if we’re to see change on the ground.  But action also needs to be taken so that people working in the field of transport across Wales better understand the Act and are able to deliver.”

Sustrans Cymru urges partners and those interested in the success of the Act to have their say by the deadline for responses on the 14 February 2018.

Please send your views to: SeneddEIS@assembly.wales or visit the Assembly’s website here. [1]