The Swindon Labour Group’s Transport Lead, Councillor Julian Price, has expressed disappointment that the government has decided to cut by one-third the funding they are devolving to Swindon and Wiltshire local authorities for major transport and roads schemes between 2015 and 2019. The Government had said that Swindon and Wiltshire would receive up to £16.9m in January over this period but have now told the local authorities they will receive only £11.3m.
The Swindon Labour Group’s Transport Lead, Councillor Julian Price, has expressed disappointment that the government has decided to cut by one-third the funding they are devolving to Swindon and Wiltshire local authorities for major transport and roads schemes between 2015 and 2019. The Government had said that Swindon and Wiltshire would receive up to £16.9m in January over this period but have now told the local authorities they will receive only £11.3m.
Councillor Price said that this will mean that Swindon will lose out on at least one major strategic highways or transport scheme that could have benefited the town.
According to a recent Local Transport Body report, schemes that could have been funded with £16.9m but can not as a result of the 33% cut, includes introducing a Rapid Transport system from the future Tadpole Farm development in North Swindon, improvements to the White Hart Roundabout and improvements to the Blunsdon Junction off of the A419 in order to reduce traffic congestion.
Councillor Julian Price said: "Transport funding is absolutely crucial, particularly for the needed improvements to junctions off of the M4 and A419 to reduce traffic congestion. Yes with the remaining money we will just have enough money to improve Swindon’s two M4 junctions, but there will be no money for improvements to junctions off of the A419 or for a North Swindon Rapid Transit system. Local businesses and motorists need these improvements and any cuts in funding will delay their implementation.
A new and energised transport network is vital if we are to help local people get to work more easily and assist businesses who need fast, efficient transport solutions to grow their sales.
I think the Government have failed to think about the positive effect new transport schemes can have on the growth of the local economy, not just in terms of creating jobs through increased capital investment but also through it being more timely for people to get to and from work.
I would encourage local people to write to the Department for Transport to express the need for transport improvement.”
Cllr Julian Price
Swindon Labour Group Transport Shadow Lead