Seventy-Fifth Report - Active travel in England

Select Committee

Public Accounts Committee HC 1335 3 November 2023

Report Status Government responded

Conclusions & Recommendations 31 items (4 recs)

Source View on Parliament website

Government Response (AI assessment · 30 of 31 classified)

Accepted 18

Accepted in Part 1

Acknowledged 2

Deferred 1

Rejected 8

Recommendations

1 results

5 Deferred

Develop a clear and consistent approach to integrate active travel with public transport.

Recommendation

DfT has not ensured that active travel schemes are sufficiently joined-up with wider transport infrastructure, for example enabling people to safely walk to bus stops or take their bike on the bus or train. DfT recognises the importance of integrating … Read more DfT has not ensured that active travel schemes are sufficiently joined-up with wider transport infrastructure, for example enabling people to safely walk to bus stops or take their bike on the bus or train. DfT recognises the importance of integrating active travel with other forms of transport but has not yet taken the steps needed to create a joined-up transport network. We are concerned that a lack of available or secure bike parking, or safe paths, may discourage people from Active travel in England 7 cycling or walking part of a journey. DfT claims that it has prioritised building cycle lanes and infrastructure that segregated cyclists from other road traffic instead of integrating active travel with other transport modes, for example enabling bikes to be taken on buses or trains. ATE expects the bulk of progress in achieving DfT’s active travel objectives to be delivered by increased walking, particularly people walking part of their journey before talking another form of transport. Buses and trams increase the number of walking trips taken because people often walk the first part of their journey to reach a bus or tram stop. Investment in public transport —such as buses, trams and trains—must go hand-in-hand with investment in active travel to allow people to access them and encourage people to walk to stations and bus or tram stops. ATE is working with local authorities to build their planning capability to ensure that active travel is fully integrated into their local plans. It is essential for DfT to ensure that wider transport schemes properly integrate active travel into the public transport network. Recommendation 5a: DfT and Active Travel England should, by April 2024, develop a clear and consistent approach for ensuring greater integration of active travel infrastructure with the public transport network. b) In its Treasury Minute response, DfT should set out how, and by when, it will increase the number of public transport stops that can be safely ac Show less

Government Response Summary

The government states it is undertaking research into disabled bus users to inform future infrastructure, but primarily deflects responsibility to local authorities, who 'could use' Network North funding to improve access to public transport stops. It also highlights existing guidance for local authorities on planning safe walking routes to bus stops.

HM Treasury

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