Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, has reacted quickly to the government’s announcement yesterday that it was suspending all transport projects not currently under contract as part of its spending review, saying that it should focus on smarter travel options that provide the best return on investment.
The government’s decision puts £1.6 billion worth of projects at risk ahead of a financial review that will take place in the autumn following a joint review of spending by the Treasury and the DfT. Immediate cuts have been made in the road safety budget as well as money put aside to address urban congestion, to the tune, respectively, of £17.2 million and £7.9 million.
The Times quoted Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, who recently said he could never contemplate cycling in London, providing sharp contrast with his predecessor, keen cyclist Lord Adonis, as saying: “I am taking this action to ensure that no taxpayers’ money is spent unnecessarily on transport schemes that are now under review.”
He continued: “If we are to succeed in reducing the UK’s record budget deficit, it is vital that not a single penny is wasted and we get the maximum value for money for every project.”
Jason Torrance, Policy Manager at Sustrans, said: "As scrutiny on public spending is intensified we believe it is more important than ever that investment is focused on interventions that deliver high value for money, and benefits across Government.
"Large road schemes often have a return on investment of less than £2 for every £1 spent. But we believe there are better, smarter ways to spend money. The work of Sustrans consistently proves that helping people to use their cars less for short local journeys delivers multiple benefits: not least financially - using the government's own cost benefit system local walking and cycling schemes shows a return on investment of £15 to £33 for every pound spent."
£100,000?! Did he write of a new Range Rover?
"Cyclist/cycle registration will enable offenders to be caught"...
Tom is undeniably a great MTB/solo champ. He is a terrible road race team rider. He seems to think he's better than his record shows and expects...
.... only with the iginition on.
I though't I'd get in early
Plus points for being a driverless car, in a 30mph area. Double bonus points for flipping over a wall and into a cemetery. ...
Sure, Mavic has had issues with their freehubs, but also they've had many many iterations of them. And sold quite a lot of wheels. People don't...
Classy-looking bike
Road safety in the UK is a sick joke, with the answer to all cyclists' concerns being "wear hi-viz and a helmet, that'll make you safe." Nothing...
I suggest you write to the driver direct and start your missive with NOTICE OF INTENDED PROSECUTION