Memorandum from Bernard Lane

 

I write as a concerned citizen of Bristol to express some thoughts about transport in the SW.

 

Having taken part in the attempt to prioritise transport projects in the recent RFA2 consultation and having seen the squabbling of the councils for 'their' projects with the emphasis on new roads, I am wondering if the whole process needs to be totally re vamped. Obviously if you ask a region to sort its priorities there will be 1001 ideas and local to the people who shout loudest. This needs serious appraisal and renewal. I am also concerned as to the effectiveness of GOSW in delivering National policy in the SW. Public transport needs a fairly long lead in time and therefore needs firm commitment for several years.

 

I wonder if road and non road transport schemes should be separated with individual pots of money? This would mean that public transport would be improved automatically.

 

My preference would be for the development of rail services in the Bristol area. This must include the formation of an ITA, Bristol Metro and the reopening of lines to Portishead, Henbury loop and Thornbury line, as well as local station reopenings and infrastructural improvements such as re-laying the lines removed up Horfield bank in the '80's.

 

Integration of public transport is also long overdue with bus/coach stations being sited next to rail stations, and with Park and Ride facilities allowing for trains to call too.

The environmental factor should be included very much in the decision process as trains can reduce car use dramatically if services are regular and reliable. This should also apply to the provision of freight termini. (At Avonmouth, it is sad to see rail facilities being built over by new warehousing and not used.) Big industrial developments need to have stricter quotas of movements using rail for both construction and for subsequent use e.g. the proposed expansion of Avonmouth docks and the EON power station at Portbury (and any incinerator should it be allowed - which I hope it won't be).

 

The SW is a large area but Bristol is the main economic driver and as such is fundamental to the economic health of the region. To rely purely on road transport is madness and serious money needs to be invested in the rail network that exists and it needs to be expanded radically. Giving a good alternative transport option will entice people out of their cars, as has been seen on the Severn Beach line and the Park and Ride bus at Portway in Bristol.

 

 

Bernard Lane,

Chair of Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways