Blog

Meeting with Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport

• Guest: Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport.

• Focus: government vision and policy for active travel (walking, wheeling, cycling).

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Key Themes

1. Minister’s Vision

   • Active travel is central to greener transport, healthier communities, and public health improvement.

   • Focus on reducing barriers for children, disabled people, and older adults.

   • Early interventions, e.g., safe school streets, are vital to build lifelong habits.

   • Active Travel England (ATE) standards ensure quality and return on investment.

   • Since 2022: £245m invested → 250 miles of routes and hundreds of safer crossings.

   • Recently announced £300m for 2024–26 for local authorities to expand active travel schemes.

   • Commitment to the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS) targets to 2025, 2030, and beyond.

2. Funding & Value for Money

   • Emphasis on return on investment: small increases in physical activity reduce NHS demand.

   • Funding decisions remain tight but the Minister confident in making the case for active travel.

3. Behaviour, Enforcement & Safety

   • Concerns raised about irresponsible cycling and e-bike delivery riders, damaging public perception.

   • Calls for:

     • Better training standards, especially for commercial riders.

     • Use of technology and enforcement (e.g., geofencing, IDs, licensing) to curb dangerous behaviour.

     • More consistent policing – City of London Police cited as best practice.

     • Education for all road users, not just drivers.

4. Traffic Reduction & Mode Shift

   • Recognition that reducing car dependency and enabling safe cycling/walking requires cultural as well as financial changes.

5. Policy & Strategy Development

   • Road Safety Strategy (first in a decade) in development, led by Minister Lilian Greenwood.

   • Integration of transport in housing development is essential—new homes should be built with access to walking/cycling infrastructure and good public transport to avoid car dependence.

6. Equity & Accessibility

   • Active Travel England engaging with accessibility groups to improve inclusive design.

7. Infrastructure & Local Issues

   • Potholes and pavement maintenance: local authorities responsible; new funding streams available but competition with other priorities.

   • There was discussion of large vehicles (SUVs) and their risks to pedestrians/cyclists—government reviewing design and parking standards.

8. Cycle Training & Workforce

   • There was concern over poor pay and retention of cycle instructors, limiting training for children. Minister acknowledged issue but noted it is complex and largely overseen by local authorities and partners (e.g., Bikeability Trust).

9. Micromobility (e-bikes, e-scooters)

   • Recognition of micromobility as an important future transport mode.

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Closing remarks

• Simon Lightwood reiterated commitment to active travel, but stressed the need for:

  • Partnership with local authorities and stakeholders.

  • Smarter regulation, education, and enforcement.

  • Embedding active travel into broader health, housing, and transport missions.

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