Local Transport Plan – What Manchester Wants for Christmas

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release

Christmas Eve (24th December) is the last day for people to comment on the Local Transport Plan (LTP3) consultation (1). The new LTP will set the direction for road travel, public transport (buses, trains and Metrolink) and walking & cycling in Greater Manchester over the next 15 – 20 years. Manchester Friends of the Earth are asking people to take the opportunity to send in a Christmas transport request.

Manchester Friends of the Earth believes that it is vital that the Greater Manchester transport plan makes sustainable travel a key priority. The LTP must aim to make walking, cycling and public transport the primary means by which people get around the local area.

This would have the following benefits:
•    reducing traffic congestion,
•    increasing access to jobs for the third of Greater Manchester households
without a car,
•    improving health and tackling childhood obesity by promoting active lifestyles,
•    reducing local air pollution – an EU requirement,
•    reducing carbon emissions,
•    fostering safer, more pleasant streets.

We believe that the following measures are essential:
•    20mph speed limits should be introduced for residential areas, To create safer and healthier communities
•    Workplace Travel Plans, including car sharing schemes, should be implemented by all employers to help cut traffic congestion
•    A joined-up Greater Manchester cycle route network should be developed, together with providing cycle training for both adults and children – to help boost cycling levels
•    Work with public transport operators to achieve an integrated transport card, similar to London’s Oyster card to make public transport a more attractive option
•    Carry out community street audits to identify the improvements needed to help create a safe, attractive and enjoyable environment for all

Manchester Friends of the Earth have created a simple way for people to support its call for a sustainable transport plan. The website, www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/ltp has an example email response, which contains suggestions for policies to promote sustainable transport. (2)

Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth transport campaign co-ordinator said:
“Greater Manchester needs a sustainable transport system to help reduce traffic congestion, increase access to jobs, promote active and healthier lifestyles, make our streets more pleasant and safer as well as reducing CO2 emissions. Please take a few minutes to support our calls for a sustainable transport plan.”

CONTACTS FOR COMMENTS
Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth Transport Co-ordinator. Mobile: 07986 450739
Pete Abel, Love Your Bike. Mobile 07951 642858

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
(1) See www.gmpte.com/LTP3/ for copies of the consultation document
(2) See www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/ltp
(3) Manchester Friends of the Earth is an award-winning environmental campaign group, raising awareness and lobbying for policy changes at a local, regional, national and international level. The group consists entirely of volunteers, and its campaigns are funded by membership fees and individual donations. Up-to-date information is available on the groups website: www.manchesterfoe.org.uk. Manchester Friends of the Earth is a Licensed Local Group of Friends of the Earth, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.