GE2019 – Summary of Policy Proposals
So far we have received answers to our questions from (in chronological order): Liam Cadham (Labour), John Hunt (Independent) and Rebecca Pow (Conservatives). We have received a holding reply from Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrats).
For the benefit of an easy comparison we have summarised the responses in tables below.
Question 1: Dutch-style cycling network for Taunton
The Department for Transport sponsored Propensity to Cycle Tool shows that with Dutch-style infrastructure, around a quarter of all commuting trips in Taunton Deane would be by bike, increasing to around a third if E-bikes become popular as well. This area has amongst the highest potential cycling rates in the region. TACC has launched the ‘Turn the cycle network blue’ campaign and to date 1700 people have signed our petition to support this.
If elected, would you work for the development of a comprehensive, Dutch-style cycling network for the Taunton area, seeking significant investment from the Department for Transport, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and local authorities to deliver it? If yes, how would you work to that end?
| Conservatives | Labour | Liberal Democrats | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around one quarter of the Dutch population cycle every day so there is much we can learn from their system. I understand that a Dutch-style roundabout is currently under construction in Cambridge so it will be important to monitor this closely and learn any lessons. In our manifesto, the Conservatives have committed to support commuter cycling routes, so that more people can cycle safely to work and more families can go out together. We will create a new £350 million Cycling Infrastructure Fund with mandatory design standards for new routes. We will extend Bikeability – cycling proficiency training – to every child. And we will work with the NHS to promote cycling for healthier living. Improving the cycling and walking network across Taunton Deane is an issue that I have been working on since my election in 2015 and I am keen to carry on this work to ensure that there is a safe and sustainable method of transport available to everyone. | I absolutely support a network that enhances our ability to cycle and cycle safely. There are many things that we can learn from the Dutch approach, but of course there are also differences and so an approach influenced by the Dutch system, but recognising our own requirements has to be considered. If we have a Labour Government, then we have committed to spending at least £10 per head on cycling and walking initiatives to kick start our approach to investing in a cycling transformation for the UK. If elected as MP for Taunton Deane I would campaign to whichever Party was in Government to increase the per head spend on cycling and walking and work with our Local Authority to enhance their provision for cycling infrastructure. | Yes, I would work closely with both councils and have supported the SCC audit of cycle routes. | Yes I would support this if elected and for myself, I would very much like the opportunity to cycle safely around our County town. Clearly significant investment would be needed, but first a realistic achievable plan must be put in place. Using the Propensity to Cycling Tool would greatly assist. If we’re to use a Dutch style scheme, then this would be expensive to achieve, however the benefits to the environment and our public health would be significant. I’m fully onboard and I believe by involving everyone properly it can be achieved, particularly adding the huge benefit of getting us, as a town closer to the carbon neutrality we must quickly achieve. |
Question 2: Adopting up to date design guidance for cycling infrastructure
TACC has identified numerous problems for cyclists, and potential cyclists, in the design, construction and maintenance of roads and cycling infrastructure (see Design Issues and Standards). There is currently no specific funding for cycling infrastructure set aside by Somerset County Council (SCC), and there are no national design guides for cycling infrastructure. Furthermore, SCC often uses outdated and/or inappropriate road design guides.
If elected, would you lobby SCC to adopt up to date design guidance for cycling infrastructure, and would you support TACC in seeking dedicated local funding for cycling infrastructure construction and maintenance, nationally and with local authorities?. If yes, how would you go about this?
| Conservatives | Labour | Liberal Democrats | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| I realise how important it is to have up to date design guidance and I would press SCC to update theirs. TACC has a commendable plan to double cycling to work in 20 years and I fully support their endeavours though I believe if the entire community as well as local stakeholders works closely together we can go even further and build on Taunton’s 9% cycle-to-work rate, already double the national average. | The shift as to where cycling and walking infrastructure is considered within the development phase from being an afterthought to being at the forefront of a development. | Yes I would work with professional groups of which I am a full chartered member (including Urban Design Group RIBA and RTPI) - and as Vice President of the TCPA to help persuade them. | It’s about finding the funding from somewhere, which of course I will try to achieve. |
Question 3: Creating high quality safe cycleways
Would you support the creation of cycling superhighways from the proposed urban extensions to the centre of Taunton and the railway station, to provide genuine, high quality safe cycleways providing a real alternative to motorised travel for work, shopping and leisure journeys for our newly designated garden town?
| Conservatives | Labour Party | Liberal Democrats | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creating a successful framework of cycle and walkways will involve a joint approach from key organisations including Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Highways England and local groups such as Taunton Area Cycling Campaign (TACC) and Cycle Somerset. There is also synergy with cycling in the new Garden Town Status for Taunton, which I was pleased to play a part in achieving and I pressed Somerset County Council for it to be linked clearly with their Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan. I remember trying to cycle from Chestnut Drive through Hilly Fields to Taunton centre. I ended up backtracking, ultimately having to join the main road at Holway Avenue. This is the kind of thing that puts people off cycling, especially parents with young children. I therefore would support the creation of cycle superhighways which among other things are designed to improve safety for cyclists. | I absolutely believe that links such as this would be better served by enhanced cycling infrastructure from the edges of the town and into the centre. Providing a safe cycle route out of the town and into, is of fundamental importance. The one from Bishops Lydeard to Taunton has been talked about for years but nothing materialised as yet. | Yes. | Yes absolutely and again to integrate with the proposal in Question one. |
Question 4: Spending to improve bus services, walking and cycling
Currently there is a large national road building programme (at least £15 billion) and planned major investment in HS2. Meanwhile bus services are being cut back and there is little specific direct funding for walking and cycling, particularly in Somerset.
Do you believe that the current transport spending priorities are right and are there any changes to it that you would like to make? Should improved levels of capital investment come from central government to improve bus services, walking and cycling?
| Conservatives | Labour | Liberal Democrats | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am pleased Central government is making more funding available as set out in our manifesto with a new £350 million Cycling Infrastructure Fund with mandatory design standards for new routes. Bus services are absolutely vital for connecting communities, especially in rural areas. While sometimes they are not commercially viable, they often provide an enormous social good and we would be worse off as a society if we lost them. We are committed to spending an additional £30 million to improve existing routes and restore lost services, making sure that no community is left behind or cut off. We’ve already made £250 million available to support these and will now spend an additional £30 million in 2020-21 to improve current services or restore lost ones. | See answers to question 1. | No - more investment in public transport and cycling/walking. | No they’re far from adequate and yes, funding should come directly from central government for distribution at local council level, ring fenced of course, enabling those that understand the needs of their area best, the opportunity to use that money wisely. I’m keen to get people out of cars and to that aim would lobby for funding to make a sustainable, low cost, frequent bus service, particularly serving our ‘cut-off’ rural communities. Safe, well lit, dedicated cycling and walking provisions must be very much to the for and I’d like to see the introduction of a low cost electric bicycle hire system in our town. |
Question 5: Working with TACC
If elected, would you be prepared to work with TACC and the local authorities to improve cycling as a day to day means of travel to all? If yes, what would be your approach to this?
| Conservatives | Labour | Liberal Democrats | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| I have met many times with constituency groups like TACC and local residents to discuss opportunities that could make a real difference to cyclists across the county. These have included creating a safe cycle crossing at J25 of the M5 and developing a cycle route to Taunton from Bishops Lydeard to Cotford St Luke and Norton Fitzwarren. There are many other cycle and walking routes that could also be created or improved, for example consideration of a potential footpath from Massingham Park into Taunton town centre. A joint approach between local stakeholders as well as a voice in Westminster are vital for progressing change . | I would absolutely be prepared to work with TACC and our Local Authorities if elected. I am committed to working with all members from whatever political persuasion to ensure that we find a way through for key improvements such as these outlined here to be made. | I would go on regularly cycle audits on my bike. | I’d like to work with yourselves and specialists from all the relevant fields, transport, highways, planning, etc. Together with multi level councillor representation from the relevant areas plus any other useful local groups that can assist. |
Full response from candidates
Response from Labour Party
Response from Independent
Response from Conservatives
