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."
True in one sense. OTOH having a bit of "multi-modal" via tram is an excellent way to improve the utility of said tram....
* The comments you can imagine. "why are you spending millions when you can't mow the grass / fix the potholes and pavements?" "More concrete - how...
As with many things, this was forseen by Monty Python. https://youtu.be/kO2R_DDZPCM?si=zVJcKZw1-xSC8Q2G&t=40 Edit: very slightly NSFW.
I'm quite amused by this disclaimer, given you are telling us not to buy these things....
I'd argue it does because people who don't wear seat belts are generally risk takers and don't care for rules. ...
The cars all drive two abreast, even when they are only one up. So why is it a different rule on a bike?...
Not a picture of my bike but a video worth watching for some https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsbJojnbdYY
OK Steve.
Sorry to ruin it. I don't spend a lot of time being drafted. When I ride with the fast guys, I end up hanging onto the back. When I ride with...
What an idiotic waste.