Steve Brine has welcomed a series of announcements which he says are evidence that the government is getting on with making big decisions following the election.
As well as the well-publicised announcement on HS2, the Winchester & Chandler’s Ford MP singled out a £5bn investment in local services designed to transform bus travel and cycling.
Mr Brine, who has been a long-standing cycling champion of cycling and walking in Parliament, gave a particular welcome to the announcement that over 250 miles of new, high-quality separated cycle routes and cycle-safe junctions will be installed across England.
He said: “I have long-called for our transport network to be much more cycle friendly and the PM’s idea of ‘Mini-Holland’ schemes to transform town centres across the country was especially welcome. Those of us in Winchester, particularly us parents trying to get our kids into cycling, know just how tricky and often downright dangerous it can be getting around our city on two wheels, so this new investment is warmly welcomed. It’s the segregated cycle lanes which are absolutely vital if we’re to move the dial on safe cycling in this area.
“We need to ensure this investment is protected for the purpose it’s meant so I will look forward to working with Minister, and Hampshire County Council, who will need to incorporate this into their movement study for Winchester.”
There was further good news, as 4000 new Zero Emission Buses will make greener travel the convenient option and contribute to achieving Net Zero. Higher frequency services, including evenings and weekends, will make it easier and less restrictive for people to get around at any time of day, and there will be more ‘turn up and go’ routes where thanks to higher frequency, people won’t have to rely on timetables to plan journeys.
Pictured: Steve with an organised Mass Cycle Ride at the end of the Broadway, 2018
