Report to the People
Transport Policy
The haulage company owners’ and farmers’ blockade of the country’s oil refineries and fuel depots has impacted on nearly every one of us. Whether, like me, you suffered the relatively minor inconvenience of exchanging your car for the train, or were subject to more severe disruption, almost no one escaped.
While I of course support anyone’s right to protest, my thoughts were with those most effected by the demonstration. The emergency services who were under extreme pressure and the day patients at Ardgowan Hospice whose services were disrupted have more of my sympathy.
There is, of course, an ongoing debate over fuel prices. We agree that we need to raise money for road repairs and to fund public transport, but how should this be done? Should the emphasis be on fuel duty, road tax or road tolling? Or as in some parts of Europe, a combination of all three?
This is a legitimate discussion. But, in a democratic society, is blockading oil refineries the best way to conduct it?
If the action of the truckers showed us anything, it showed us how much we rely on road transport. We in Inverclyde do not need to be reminded that a first class transport infrastructure is vital for our future prosperity.
Which brings me on to the other main debate of the week. On Thursday, the new Transport Bill passed its first parliamentary stage on its way to becoming law.
The Transport Bill essentially marks the end of the old market driven approach to public transport. It aims to deliver a sustainable, effective and integrated transport system. Local authorities will be empowered to deliver local solutions to local problems and promote partnership working.
Bus services will also be improved. The Transport Bill will give the force of law to Quality Partnerships between local authorities and bus companies. These will allow councils to subsidise higher frequencies of bus services, for example on infrequently travelled routes, which commercial operators would not otherwise provide. If necessary, these will be enforced through Quality Contracts.
The bill will also introduce the power to deliver & enhance concessionary fares for pensioners and disabled people on buses, trains, ferries and internal flights.
If the events of last week show us anything, it is the complexity of the issues surrounding transport policy. Hopefully the introduction of the new transport bill will allow us to examine these wider aspects and deliver a revitalised, reliable transport system in which we all travel first class.
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