WAG wasted time leads to further delay in publication of RTPs (Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Liberal Democrats)

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Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Liberal Democrats <Brian.Thomas@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk>

WAG wasted time leads to further delay in publication of RTPs

February 10, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

As publication of the Regional Transport Plans are further delayed, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates has criticised the Assembly Government for wasting time taking a year to adopt a recommendation of the Sustainability Committee to incorporate carbon reduction into National and Regional Transport Plans.

The Regional Transport Planning (Wales) (Amendment) Order 2009 will amend the date by which regional consortia must publish their Regional Transport Plans (RTPs), from June 30th 2009 to December 31st 2009. One intended effect listed is to 'ensure the regional transport consortia have a clear idea of the Assembly Governments road and rail programmes and what is expected of them in terms of the requirement to reduce transport-related carbon emissions.'

Commenting, Mick Bates AM stated:

"Incorporating carbon reduction into National and Regional plans was a recommendation of the Sustainability Committee in February last year and I am pleased that the Assembly Government has finally woken up to the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

"However I am disappointed that it has taken this long to be adopted - it is crucial that this wasted time and further delay in the publication of the Regional Transport Plans does not threaten or delay the delivery of any projects or transport initiatives already in the pipeline.

"The Stern Review argued that transport is one of the more expensive sectors from which to cut emissions and that it will be among the last sectors to bring its emissions down below current levels. However, this must not be used by governments as an excuse not to act in this area.

"The Government has made a commitment to reduce emissions by 3% in all areas of devolved competence and it is crucial that they use all tools available in order to do this.

"With the latest figures showing that Wales ranks 13th in an international league table of the worst emitters of carbon dioxide emissions, the Assembly Government must take action now to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector, which accounts for 16% of all carbon emissions in Wales."

Notes:

Regional and local transport consumption statistics show that road transport accounts for approximately 16 per cent of the total carbon dioxide emissions in Wales.

The Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions forecasts that road traffic will have grown by 17 per cent between 2000 and 2010.