One of the questions coming up on the campaign trail is what is our policy on transport?
Or, as one woman asked: ‘Do you want to ban cars?’ The answer simply is No!
Over the past few years, councillor Martin Hey and Dan Wood, who is a candidate in this year’s local elections, have highlighted the high levels of traffic on roads through Northowram and Shelf — a main route out of Halifax to Bradford and Leeds.
They have highlighted that it is a health hazard, dangerous and impacts negatively on everyone’s quality of life. It also bad for wildlife, contributes significantly to the carbon load and does nothing to help Calderdale reach net zero.
- They have worked to introduce speed limits and traffic calming measures to make roads safer for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, especially around schools.
- They have carried out and publicised research with Asthma and Lung UK which showed pollution levels caused by traffic fumes well above the legal limit in parts of the ward.
- They have campaigned for better buses so people who have cars have the option to travel another way and those who don’t — many older residents or people with long term health conditions — can still get around, access services and connect with family and friends.
- They have also opposed Council cuts to cycling and walking paths which disincentivises recreation and physical activity, as well as risks damaging the visitor economy.
So that’s it! Safer roads, better buses, more active transport.
The Green Party nationally wants to introduce £1 bus fares, protect free bus travel for older people and increase investment in public transport. For more information go to Greens call for ‘One Pound Fare to Take You There’ on buses.