Under-funding and short-term thinking: our reaction to Spring Budget

In reaction to today’s Spring Budget announcement, which contained no mention of cycling or walking, our director of external affairs Sarah McMonagle said:

“The Government is repeating its long-running mistake of under-funding and short-term thinking on sustainable transport.

“The National Audit Office (NAO) told the Government last year it wasn’t investing enough to meet its own 2025 targets for walking and cycling, even before it slashed dedicated funding for active travel by two thirds last March.

“This financial black hole, coupled with the stop-start nature of funding, is preventing local authorities from investing in cycling and walking schemes that we know create green jobs, boost economic growth and make our streets safer, in addition to the many health, wellbeing and environmental benefits.

“Instead, the Chancellor has made another short-term-focused decision to extend the fuel duty freeze, a poor value for money policy that has been shown to disproportionately benefit the wealthiest in society. It’s time the Government took a long-term, integrated approach to transport policy, investing to give people more transport choice, including affordable, safe and reliable alternatives to driving.”