LETTER - Plan prioritises public transport, walking and cycling

LTP4 is not an action plan, nor does it explain how the outcomes might be achieved. But what it does do, is ask for support at a strategic level for their way of thinking. That is why it is so important.

We know traffic causes air pollution and air pollution causes premature death. We know transport is a large contributor to our carbon emissions and climate change. The only solution is to reduce traffic and get people out of their cars and onto public transport and walking and cycling more.

Electric cars have their use but are a distraction since they do not reduce particulate pollution and might just push NOx and CO2 emissions away from the point of use to the point of generation.

A fully integrated public transport system that covers the whole of Hampshire and beyond is the ultimate goal. Currently we have nothing of the sort. Unless you live near mainline train stations it is likely you have nothing more than a sporadic bus service at best. The train system must link seamlessly with buses. Both must be linked with safe cycling and walking routes and it must be accessible to everyone.

Public transport should be cheap and run by the community for the community. In some cities it is free for all. We would encourage Hampshire to extend free bus passes currently provided for older people to people under 30. This age group has been particularly hard hit by Covid. We need to offer them a free viable alternative to a car that locks them into the expense that brings.

If we want Hampshire to make a difference, tackle climate change and improve our health we must support this plan. But time is running out. Comments must be made before February 28.

Giles Gooding,

Winchester Green Party