Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Gwynne Excerpts

Thursday 3rd December 2020 Commons Chamber

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

What support his Department is providing to local authorities to increase levels of cycling and walking.

[Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)]

What steps his Department is taking to support walking and cycling schemes.

[Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)]

What support his Department is providing to local authorities to increase levels of cycling and walking.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

Cycling and walking policy is a devolved matter for the Welsh Government, but I am happy to congratulate those councils and the Canal and River Trust on their work in and around this globally significant site and the canal world heritage site. We will follow in the steps of Thomas Telford, who designed the beautiful aqueduct there, to deliver high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure for future generations with the £2 billion that I just mentioned.

[Andrew Gwynne [V]]

Active travel funding is one side of the equation, and a lot is starting to be achieved from that, but authorities in Greater Manchester also need to obtain powers to ensure that this new infrastructure and the roads generally can function well. One example is around moving traffic offences, giving Greater Manchester London-style enforcement powers to keep roads moving efficiently for all users. When will the Government commence the remaining elements of part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, as set out in the Department’s “Gear change” publication in July?

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

I know that the hon. Gentleman is passionate about all things active travel. He will doubtless be pleased that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been allocated over £18 million in the two tranches of the active travel fund this year, and 143 “Fix Your Bike” vouchers have been given to his constituents, but the answer to his question is: shortly.