More work to do says mayor as Cambridgeshire active travel plans backfire
The plans include achieving net zero emissions by 2050
The mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough believes more work needs to be done if his plans to improve public transport in the county are to be approved.
Dr Nik Johnson saw his updated Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) fail to pass at a Combined Authority Board meeting on September 20, despite recommendations to approve it.
The LTCP, which aims to promote more walking and cycling options to more people, had raised concerns earlier this year before consultations over the plans took place in the spring and summer.
"The Combined Authority has engaged with our partner councils from the initial vision and key objectives, through to working with them directly on developing the detail,” Dr Johnson said.
"I’ve every confidence that we will bring this decision back for approval at the earliest opportunity.”
"There's still a lot of work to do"
At Wednesday’s board meeting, Councillor Anna Bailey (Conservative) called for a “21st century turn up and go style transport system that is fast, cheap, reliable, efficient and safe so people want to use it.”
In favour of the plans, Cllr Lucy Nethsingha (Liberal Democrats) thinks young people will have more opportunities to travel with a new system in place and felt “driving has become unaffordable for people under 30”.
The LTCP has six main goals, including reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, improving connectivity between communities and protecting the environment and green spaces.
Dr Johnson said the LTCP has won the support of Cambridgeshire’s council leaders and business leaders in the county as it aims to bring investment to transport in the area.
"Clearly there’s still work to do and I believe wholeheartedly in our ability and determination to get it done,” he added.
"The current Local Transport Plan remains in place and our work on important transport projects, like work to reform our buses, improve rail services, and expand our network of cycling and walking routes continues.”