Wales could face decades of delay in completing its active travel network unless local authorities are supported to work together regionally, warns a new report from the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee. The report label active travel progress across Wales as “painfully slow,” says Wrexham.com.
The Welsh Government’s target is for 45% of journeys to be by sustainable modes by 2040, but the Committee argues this will not be achieved without a coordinated regional approach.
It has now called on the Welsh Government to commit to long-term funding, stronger leadership, and a renewed focus on behaviour change and inclusivity.
The report highlights that many local authorities lack the capacity and expertise to deliver active travel effectively.
It recommends a regional approach, shifting from individual local authorities to coordinated planning across regions, led by the Corporate Joint Committees, the Regional Transport Plans and Transport for Wales.
Transport for Wales (TfW) will have a central role in making a regional approach work, according to the Committee. Not only can TfW provide technical expertise, it can also ensure consistent design and integrate active travel with wider transport plans.
The committee has also argued that building routes alone will not lead to a change in people’s habits.
Instead it suggests that an “effective and meaningful national behaviour change programme” will be needed to convince people to leave the car at home for everyday trips. This, the committee says, should be led by the Welsh Government, designed in partnership with stakeholders and delivery partners, particularly local communities, to maximise its impact.
The report found that there is also a need for inclusivity to ensure that active travel routes are successful.
Many existing routes remain inaccessible for disabled and older people, and the report calls for robust design standards and early, meaningful engagement with communities to ensure active travel works for everyone.
Chair of the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, Mark Isherwood MS said: “Active travel is essential for a healthier, more energy efficient Wales, but progress has been painfully slow.
“The Welsh Government must lead from the front and support local authorities by introducing a regional delivery model, with Transport for Wales playing a central role in providing expertise and coordination.
“This approach will improve efficiency and ensure consistent standards across Wales.
“We also need an impactful national behaviour change programme to encourage people to leave the car at home, and we must involve local voices at every stage of planning. Active travel must work for everyone, improving health, cutting emissions and making our communities better places to live.
(Picture; Yay Images)
