The WLGA is committed to ensuring that the investment is put into maintaining our highway infrastructure. There is widespread evidence that authorities are unable to put as much resource into maintaining their roads, bridges etc as resources are finite and demands increasing. All local authorities in Wales will have asset management plans which will evidence the condition of our infrastructure and allow us to determine what resources are needed to provide an infrastructure in Wales which will meet our economic and environmental aspirations.
Everyone recognises that an improved public transport system is needed to assist in modal shift and here local authorities can influence but over which they have very little direct control. Massive investment is needed in all forms of transport infrastructure so that Wales can meet its sustainable development duties as well as increase economic productivity and well being.
The WLGA firmly believes that investment is needed in transport not expensive, bureaucratic and time consuming administrative reform. The Wales Transport Act, when commenced, will include powers for WAG to create Joint Transport Authorities which will weaken local government’s role in transport planning, coordination and implementation.
As economies become richer there is a direct link with transport use – particularly car ownership. The challenge for Welsh local authorityies is how they decouple car use from economic growth and also making the transport system cope with increased traffic and movement.
The Assembly’s transport strategy is being renewed over 2005 and Welsh local government, particularly the consortias will play an important role in determining the regional element of that strategy. Following from this transport plans produced at a regional level (as per Wales Transport Act when commenced) will have to be in accordance with the Wales Transport Strategy.
For more information contact: Rachel Jowitt