Some constituents have recently written
to me regarding the "need for further investment, to enable local
authorities to implement the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
(LCWIPs) that many of them are preparing, as requested by the Department for
Transport".
The benefits of encouraging
walking and cycling are numerous - they play an important role in a healthy and
active lifestyle and help to reduce carbon emissions.
I am glad that Robert Courts MP
and Stephen Morgan MP were able to secure a debate in Parliament about this
issue recently, and that in his response the Minister Jesse Norman acknowledged
that the Government has to “significantly, dramatically, potentially double or
more that rate of intervention,” to deliver the annual spending target on
cycling and walking of £7 per person in England outside London.
I want to see more people choose
to walk, run or cycle for shorter journeys. I am a
strong supporter of existing routes such as the Clay Trails and Pentewan Valley
trails, and want to see these grow as well as new schemes like the Newquay to
Perranporth route which has recently funding from Highway England.
As a member of the Commons Transport Select
Committee I will be more than happy to relay the concerns of constituents to
the new Transport Secretary and ask them to provide the funding and plans
necessary to ensure that the Government meets its commitment on walking and
cycling.
