The Green Party demands changes to transport funding in England. The Greens oppose inadequate funding in the other English regions compared to London and the South East. They highlighted the fact that only £200 million has been announced for the development of the mass transit network in West Yorkshire compared to billions spent in London.
Green Party transport spokesperson, Matt Edwards, said: “For decades transport spending in London and the South East has eclipsed the scraps we see in the North and other regions of the country. The paltry amounts promised to West Yorkshire to help deliver a new rapid transport network to one of the largest metro areas in Europe simply reinforces this imbalance. Regions outside London and the South East are being sold short.”
“We need to transform how people in this country get around to get more people out of cars, and on to public transport, cycling and walking. The funding the government is offering is not going to deliver that anywhere.”
On the other hand, last year London Mayor Sadiq Khan declared that the Government’s Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) “takes London for granted” and does not provide the support and investment London needs after the pandemic. The Mayor stressed the capital is vital to driving a green national recovery and supporting employment all over the UK.
The Mayor also stated that the budget and CSR do not provide the money to keep Londoners safe, deliver more affordable housing, tackle poor air quality and meet the ambitions needed to achieve the Net Zero goal and solve the climate crisis.
It is worth noting that the presence of the Greens in government is contributing to a range of positive changes in the organisation and funding of transport in the UK.
“In Scotland, Greens successfully pushed for free bus travel for all those under 22 and in Herefordshire, Greens on the Council ensured that Covid Recovery funds were used to provide free weekend buses. And just this week in Sheffield, after years of campaigning, Green councillors secured the return of a free circular bus service in the city centre.” – councillor Edwards pointed out.
According to the Scottish Greens, the second review of strategic transport projects in Scotland shows a significant shift in priorities since the Scottish Greens entered government. They have put an emphasis on public transport, walking, wheeling,cycling and projects to reduce congestion.
Transport spokesman Mark Ruskell commented: “This strategic vision represents a clear shift in priorities from roads to public transport and active travel, demonstrating the influence of the Greens in government.”
