Councillor Howard Sykes, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, notes that Covid-19 has impacted our local travel. 

Councillor Sykes has suggested a five-point programme to Council Bosses.  This could kickstart our local transport needs in a green direction.  The Council could be been given up to £500,000 by the Mayor of Manchester to make streets safer.  The five points are a solid guide on how to spend that money.  These are listed below:

1. A commitment to provide additional financial support to our local public transport network. 
2. Power for Highways Authorities to introduce dedicated cycle lanes.
3. Councils should be able to solve problem areas by changing the limit where appropriate.
4. Protection for Local Authorities using the enhanced Traffic Reduction Orders against legal challenge.
5. Get the government to commit to giving local highway authorities across England access to additional powers.

“Public transport is down whereas car usage is now on the up.  Less cars on the road at the start of the crisis was welcome.  Less vehicles made air quality better as well as making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians,” said Councillor Sykes.

“Maintaining these safe and healthy streets will be a crucial part of the Covid-19 recovery phase.  Local councils will play a critical role in this.”