Tameside are failing the public on transport

19th July 2005

Research released yesterday by the Liberal Democrats [1] shows that Tameside is the worst offending local authority when it comes to reducing road traffic and improving public transport. Their research shows that the number of vehicles on the road in Tameside has increased by 36% since the Labour Government came to power in 1997. If the A57/A628 bypass is built, a further increase of 37% vehicles per day is predicted on the A57/A628 route alone [2]. With no foreseeable improvement to local bus or rail services, all hopes are pinned on a bypass that will only increase congestion on our roads. The record of Tameside on public transport is not set improve anytime soon.

Emma Lawrence for the Save Swallow's Wood campaign, based in Hollingworth said:

"This report shows just how dedicated the borough of Tameside is to road building and emphasises their shoddy efforts to look into alternatives. The Metrolink will be a great boon to Tameside, but this does nothing to address the failed public transport services operating South of Ashton, around Mottram, Hollingworth, and Stalybridge. It is madness that the council is backing the A57/A628 and Glossop Spur when these will only increase traffic chaos on our roads."

Transport is the fastest source of greenhouse gases, and traffic growth must be tamed urgently. Instead Tameside Council are supporting devastating road schemes like the the Mottram-Tintwistle Bypass which will go through Swallows Wood and part of the Peak Park, and bring more traffic and pollution to the area. If we are serious about tackling climate change we must stop road building and invest in the alternatives to encourage less traffic. [3]

For more information, contact: Emma Lawrence Tel: 0845 226 3392

Notes for Editors:

[1] Lib Dem press release, 18/7/05.

[2] 11,900 vehicles currently use the A57/A628 on a daily basis. If the A57/A628 bypass is built, 20,000 vehicles are expected to use the route each day by 2023, compared to 12,600 without the bypass. See Hansard, 26 May 2005: Column 165W available online at http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm050526/text/50526w03.htm

[3] Every year traffic grows 2%. Traffic is forecast to increase by 40% by 2025 - DfT Future of Transport White Paper 2004. Transport contributes over a quarter of emissions, with road transport representing 80% of those emissions. It is the only sector that is rising, and so is the most urgent area to tackle - DfT Future of Transport White Paper 2004, http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/divisionhomepage/031259.hcsp.