Labour believes strongly in the importance of a good public transport network supported by improved cycling and walking routes to maintain connectivity for all Devon’s communities, and to reduce car usage which is an essential part of our strategy for tackling climate change. We believe that the best way to achieve an integrated and affordable public transport network is by returning public transport back into public ownership.

To support our vision, we will:

• • Be proactive in developing ‘green’ travel plans for Devon’s public and private employers and for schools
• • Support the idea for a Devon Metro, and the development of a Devon Oyster card
• • Work with private sector and community bus services to improve connectivity
• • Demand increased financial support for essential but ‘uneconomic’ bus and train routes
• • Continue to campaign for an alternative cross-country rail line via Okehampton, and for the Exeter-Waterloo line to be double line throughout
• • Support infrastructure improvements to encourage the use of electric and new technology powered vehicles, including buses
• • Campaign for lower traffic speeds to improve safety, lower emissions and noise
• • Seek funding to deal with the backlog of road and footway maintenance issues, and to further develop high quality cycling and walking routes
• • Work with residents to develop residents-only parking areas where there is excessive commuter or visitor parking
• • Work with transport providers to improve station facilities including the provision of cycle racks, better integrated timetables, as well as to fully cater for the needs of those with disabilities, and to improve timetable displays at bus stops and in journey announcements
• • Prioritise the securing of effective park-and-ride and park-and-change schemes around Exeter
• • Work towards an integrated transport strategy across Devon which takes into account climate change, and recognises the need for people throughout the county to be able to access health services, education, training and employment by sustainable means

Cycling and Walking

Our aim is to secure funding to develop where possible high-quality segregated cycle-only lanes for key routes and improve existing cycle paths to promote safe cycling and walking as alternatives to private motor vehicles. This will reduce congestion and pollution and improve health and wellbeing.

We will:

• • Halt the degradation of the existing cycle network by adopting modern design guidance and prioritise cycle commuter routes that are direct, safe and with good surfaces
• • Improve cyclist and pedestrian safety through school programmes and promoting best practice for motorists and cyclists
• • Regularly audit the delivery of the already agreed strategies prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, and assess all new proposals against these strategies
• • Categorise streets with people in mind (not just motor vehicles) so that any new development is planned accordingly
• • Commit to bold leadership for delivering a vision of a better County, with cyclists and pedestrians at its heart
• • Maintain a nominated Councillor and Officer ‘leads’ to champion walking and cycling