Greenpeace Exeter local group hosts online event on the future of transport

On Monday 19th October 2020, Greenpeace Exeter hosted an online event to discuss the improvements needed to local transport and the role that investing in zero carbon public transport, walking and cycling has to play in a Green Recovery from the pandemic. This event was generously supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

More than 50 people attended and listened to ideas and suggestions from speakers representing Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, Exeter Cycling Campaign as well as Exeter’s MP Ben Bradshaw.

The Government is expected to spend many billions on new infrastructure to boost the economy as a result of the Covid crisis, including £27 billion on roads. Transport is the UK’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so building more roads only adds to this problem and will encourage more people to buy cars, and drive more miles. 

Greenpeace Exeter said: ‘We held this event to call on the UK Government to invest £10 billion more every year to transform public transport, walking and cycling and re-direct the £27 billion they’ve committed to new road building. Here in Exeter we are calling for more cycling lanes as we know people are put off cycling for fear of unsafe traffic. This would enable more people to bike to work, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution – good for our health, good for business and good for our climate.’

Recent polling carried out by YouGov asked people in South West England to choose their top two from a range of seven proposed transport improvements. New roads were the least popular choice, featuring in just 8% of residents’ picks for what they’d like to see. In contrast, 44% want existing roads to be better maintained, 44% also want cheaper bus and train tickets and 33% want less traffic on the roads. When asked if they’d support or oppose low traffic neighbourhoods, 63% of people in the South West were in support of the measures, designed to reduce traffic in certain streets, improve air quality and encourage walking and cycling, one of the highest levels of support in the country. Just 12% oppose these measures.

MP Ben Bradshaw said: ‘I completely understand people’s concerns. Devon County Council has introduced some schemes in Exeter which have met with mixed response.  Lobbying local representatives can be very worthwhile and can have a big effect.’

Shirley Waterhouse from Greenpeace said: ‘Transport accounts for around one third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the vast majority coming from road transport – cars, vans, HGVs. At the same time, Devon and Exeter face significant transport challenges, both in terms of sustainability and accessibility.  We cannot act on climate change if we cannot get emissions down.’

Mike Walton from Exeter Cycling Campaign added: ‘Cycling accounts for about 2% of all commuter journeys in the UK compared to 49% in Copenhagen or 36% in Amsterdam.  This is partly because people feel unsafe due to lack of proper cycle ways. Narrow strips down the sides of busy roads are not good enough.’ Caspar Hughes from Extinction Rebellion commented that: ‘Cycling is the best way to decarbonise cities.’

The local Greenpeace co-ordinator said: ‘We’re really pleased that our MP Ben Bradshaw attended. We welcome his support in pushing for greener, accessible transport in Exeter, and call on the Chancellor to reverse his commitment to road building in favour of zero carbon public transport and active travel.’