‘Release the brakes’ on sustainable travel says Helen Mary Jones

PLAID Cymru MS Helen Mary Jones speaking ahead of an active travel hustings said it was time for the next Welsh government to ‘release the brakes’ and be far more ambitious when it came to green transport.

The Mid and West MS will represent Plaid Cymru in a virtual hustings this evening organised by Cycling UK and Living Streets.

Speaking ahead of the hustings Helen Mary Jones MS said:

“We need to get Wales moving when it comes to sustainable travel. The next Welsh Government must release the brakes and provide an uplift in the investment for active travel across our nation. One of the key asks from Cycling UK is at least 10% of the transport budget should be invested on active travel and I would make this a priority if elected as MS for Llanelli and become Welsh Transport Minister.

“I hope that the next Welsh Government does recognise the value of cycling to the rural economy and the nation’s wellbeing by improving access to the outdoors, linking communities, and opening up the countryside. Cycling can be a boost for home grown tourism as well.

“The demand for change can be seen in the constituency I’m standing in Llanelli. My Plaid Cymru colleague Councillor Liam Bowen of Pontyberem has collected over 1,000 signatures from people campaigning for a Gwendraeth Valley Cycle Track on the old Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway line. The feasibility study is happening and I’m told that we will get the results this month.

“The Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Active Travel recommended the need to enhance our children’s health and well-being by providing more support for active travel for schools and for cycle training. Work is ongoing on reforms to school transport, and there is a need to examine the issue of catchment areas. So, I welcome the demand from Living Streets for families to be able to choose to walk to school and work.

“People should feel safe and relaxed on foot on our streets. A Plaid Cymru Welsh Government would want to help local authorities create towns and cities that put people first by making 20-minute neighbourhoods a central principle in local planning, transport, health and economic policy.

“Plaid Cymru has long advocated a Clean Air Act and in the Senedd our members have backed 20mph zones in urban areas, so these asks from Living Streets are very welcome.”