The scandal at VW, where the company deliberately cheated emission tests that were there to protect people’s health, has pushed the issue of pollution and air quality up the political agenda. Although diesel engines are the worst offenders, all vehicles pollute the air.
In September DEFRA confirmed that over 50,000 people die prematurely every year because they breathe dirty air from road traffic. To combat climate change our CO2 reduction targets would practically eliminate emissions by 2050, yet we are driving more than ever and emissions from transport are rising.
GRIPES: Roadworks on Tolladine Road, Worcester back in June. Pic Jonathan Barry. 251589480.
As congestion in Worcester tops the pile for people’s biggest concern, the solution offered by the County Council is more road building, whilst cutting bus services and/or making them more expensive. With the SWDP meaning many more houses are to be built in and around Worcester, unless drastic action is taken there will simply be more cars clogging up our roads.
Building more roads is not the answer. If we want to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce pollution that kills, and reduce congestion, then we need to offer viable alternatives to travelling by car. Whilst the City Council see car parking charges as a great revenue stream and the County Council view buses as a revenue drain there will be no solution for Worcester.
There should be fewer car parks, with higher charges for long stay. There should be link-and-ride bus services that allow those that need to drive into Worcester opportunities to leave their car as near to home as possible. There needs to be greater investment in walking and cycling provision, including wide area 20mph speed limits, high quality cycling lanes, etc. More accomodation in the centre of Worcester needs to be made available – Living Over The Shop.
These are just some ideas and there are many more that can help people to shift away from seeing the car as the default mode of transport. This is the only way to transform the state of transport in Worcester from one of poor health and low quality to good health and high quality. However, don’t hold you breath!