What’s good for the economy, the NHS, the climate and our own wellbeing?
We know the answer to that one don’t we!
Encouragingly, so does the new Secretary of State for Transport
In a recent interview Secretary of State Lou Haig was very clear that……“Transport and #activetravel is at the very heart of the new government’s five “missions” of (1) economic growth (2) net zero (3) safer streets (4) public health & the NHS (5) education opportunities”
What a welcome change to hear Ms Haig underlining how important active travel is for the country’s health, wellbeing and economy.
Have a listen here.
The Government are signalling that they will provide significant long-term funding for cycling, walking and wheeling (reported in The Guardian here Labour investment in cycling and walking will be unprecedented, says Louise Haigh | Transport policy | The Guardian).
For this to benefit us in Exeter we need Devon County County to now step up in terms of boldness and ambition for our city.
What part can you play?
Can you give 10 minutes to encourage our elected leaders to make the most of this opportunity?
Please…….
1. Email your Devon County Councillor. You can find their name and email address on this searchable map and postcode search tool Councillors by map – Democracy in Devon. It would be great if every County Councillor in and around Exeter gets positive emails.
2. Let them know about the news from the Government (you could copy in the link) and ask them to let you know what Devon County Council are doing to prepare for an autumn funding announcement, so that they can use this opportunity secure long-term funding to make Exeter a better City.
3. Make it personal. Let them know why it matters to you- a safer school run, cheap transport to work, the health benefits or your desire to act on climate. Let them know your priorities for their Ward- particular unsafe junctions, school streets or new safe routes. You could also mention some key priorities for the wider City such as the Nurse’s Way, Union Road and following up on the Heavitree & Whipton Trial (all routes that have been agreed in principle in the recent LCWIP*).
4. We recommend also sending your email to Leader of Devon County Council james.mcinnes@devon.gov.uk and Leader of Exeter City Council cllr.philip.bialyk@exeter.gov.uk, as Devon County Council and Exeter City Council Councillors will need to work together on bids and delivery.
And do remember that all Councillors are our friends and allies. It will ultimately be them who vote to bid for and deliver schemes.
Thank you!
*LCWIP – Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan
