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."
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Just discovered I have to pay road tax next year. Bang goes my smug reply to 'cyclists don't pay road tax' followed by a photo of DVLA demand for ...
When I got my Mavic wheels I got them on the understanding that I wasn't going to replace anything upon failure. And I will enjoy them until they die.
I'll take a Reilly, in a 56, though
But plundering the wrong budget is the central issue....
It doesn't have to be very loud or frequent for the police and legal process to accept pro-offender propaganda, especially where annoying cyclists...
Firmly agree! The only function of Helmets 'n HiViz in the minds of the offenders and the police is whether the victim was without them so that...
I'm glad Rendel has looked into this, and I await a reply from the Anti-Eddy camp.
Or if they snatch your bike from under you, will you be able to rescue the phone before your bike disappears?
Try here: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/15927/1/20241014_Hearne_and_Yerushalmi...