As the UK government announces plans to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Exeter Green Party is proposing a series of transport measures at a neighbourhood level to tackle emissions and air pollution and create safer streets.
Local Greens propose a series of measures [1] including a 20mph default speed limit on all streets to make them safer for walking and cycling; redesigning residential areas to restrict through movements of traffic, swapping space for cars with ‘pocket parks’, safe play areas for children and trees; and fleets of electric cars and bicycles available for hire within a five-minute walk of every house in every neighbourhood.
Andrew Bell, who is Green Party County Council candidate for St David’s and Haven Banks, said:
“The direction of travel is clear: the government wants to see rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Local authorities will have a key responsibility to help deliver these reductions.
“Transport is responsible for more carbon emissions in Devon than any other sector, and is almost entirely responsible for Exeter’s health damaging air pollution. Reallocating space away from motorised traffic at a neighbourhood level is therefore key to driving down emissions and improving health.”
Lizzie Woodman, who is Green Party County Council candidate for Heavitree & Whipton Barton, added:
“All Green councillors elected on May 6th will encourage policy makers to be bold and push for changes based on evidence that will reduce emissions, clean up our air and make our neighbourhoods safer, healthier and more pleasant places to live.”
Notes
[1] See more details in a blog by Andrew Bell, Green Party County Council candidate for St David’s and Haven Banks: Reallocation, reallocation, reallocation – rethinking neighbourhoods to address the Climate Crisis