Transport planners call for stronger transport policies in political party manifestos

The Transport Planning Society (TPS) has published its member-led manifesto setting out a five-point plan to improve the transport network. The Society is calling on all the political parties to incorporate the asks into their manifestos ahead of the general election.

The TPS Manifesto published today is based on a survey of TPS members and focuses on five different aspects of transport policy:

1. Introduction of a National Transport Strategy for England that aligns with spatial planning and the devolved nations’ transport strategies
2. Delivery of an integrated, accessible and affordable public transport system across the UK
3. Investment in safe, secure active travel routes
4. Reduced reliance on the car and introduce traffic reduction targets
5. Encouragement of a sustainable switch to low-emission vehicles

Ben Plowden, Chair of the Transport Planning Society, said:

“Our membership survey found that transport planners believe that despite positive progress, stronger transport policies are needed to support regional and local government and industry deliver better transport solutions and ensure we meet our traffic reduction and decarbonisation goals.”

We also asked the TPS membership which three priority measures should be introduced or accelerated by the government. The three most popular priorities were:

1. Fully funding the delivery of the target that 50% of urban trips should be on foot or by bicycle by 2030
2. Reducing the absolute volume of road traffic
3. Producing a single, integrated UK transport strategy, incorporating the strategies in the devolved administrations

Tom van Vuren, Director of Policy for the Transport Planning Society, said: “Our survey shows the priorities for transport planners remain clear. We must increase the number of active travel journeys, reducing vehicle kilometres travelled and introduce a National Transport Strategy for England.

“We hope the views of transport planning professionals are considered and the political parties review our five asks when writing their manifestos.”

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