Oral - Wales Transport Strategy

I am pleased to have the opportunity to present to you 'Connecting the Nation’, the Assembly Government’s transport strategy. Since the formation of the 'One Wales’ agreement, I have been looking afresh at our transport strategy to ensure that we meet the challenges of environmental sustainability and facilitating transport links to all parts of Wales.

This is a highly significant document, and one that will influence the development of our country’s communications network for decades to come. This is the first time that we have produced a comprehensive transport strategy in line with our responsibilities under the Transport (Wales) Act 2006.

I have set out the five key areas in which I am determined to ensure that we make significant progress. The first is cutting transport emissions, which is vital to move towards a greener Wales—and on that point, I would like to stress our determination to meet the key objective in the 'One Wales’ document of securing an annual 3 per cent reduction in emissions in devolved areas by 2011.

The second is joining up local transport as part of a genuinely integrated system. The third is improving access to key communities and settlements. The fourth is enhancing our international connectivity, and the last is promoting safety and security.

Each of these areas will demand significant shifts in our ways of thinking and operating, and will mean close co-operation with the regional transport consortia and with our local authorities. I am grateful to all those who have contributed to the extensive consultation to date, but that is only the start of this work.

Achieving our key carbon reduction target will mean reducing our dependence on our cars, and particularly those drivers who travel on their own. In turn, that will require significant improvements to our public transport, as well as offering more opportunities for people to walk and cycle safely.

Joining up local transport will result in environmental benefits, but the aim is also to ensure social benefits including improving access to schools, hospitals, and encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles more generally. For example, we intend to use the powers contained in the current Local Transport Bill to provide better quality bus partnerships and contracts.

In looking to the future, we must ensure that new developments are built in locations that can be easily accessed on foot, by cycle, or on public transport, or that the access is part of the development itself. However, we have a historic pattern of development—and of geographical challenges—which will mean working within the spatial plans to improve the carbon impact of access to existing key settlements and sites.

It is also my intention to improve the all-Wales TrawsCambria bus network, and to introduce an express rail service between north and south Wales. Both this Government and this transport strategy are outward-looking. Key European routes, such as that between Dublin, Holyhead and beyond, pass through Wales. I want to see improved public transport services in order to improve these routes, and I want to see new ideas developed, such as heavy goods being taken by sea on short journeys, rather than being transported on roads between Welsh ports and the continent of Europe.

Finally, we must ensure that our transport systems have the highest levels of safety and security. Although there has been a reduction in the number of accidents in recent years, there is still room for improvement. Initiatives such as 20mph zones, encouraging seats for two rather than three pupils on school buses, and ensuring that train and bus services are accessible and well lit all form part of that vision. By working with our partners on these five key areas, we will transform transport in Wales over the decades to come.

For too long, the economic imperative in the field of transport planning has been about wealth creation only, and often for the comparatively few. This strategy will take full account of the environmental and social considerations, too. Transport plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable economic prosperity and in securing the quality of life that we aspire to for everyone.
Without transport and communications, markets cannot function, and businesses cannot compete. However, if we get it wrong, a lack of access to transport, especially public transport, will be a serious barrier to those who are seeking jobs. It will also inhibit access to key services, particularly in less prosperous areas where car ownership rates are low.

The way in which we develop our communications network also plays an important part in minimising the demands placed on the environment, and in meeting our responsibility to ensure sustainable development. 'Connecting the Nation’ provides a launch pad for a new approach to transport in Wales, an approach that balances economic, social and environmental demands. I hope that Members and others will support me in fulfilling the ambitions laid out in 'Connecting the Nation’ as we embark on the crucial move from vision to delivery.

I am especially keen to retain the full commitment of our partners in local government, the business community and transport service providers in ensuring the delivery of our objectives. The next stage will be to develop a national transport plan, and to work with the regional transport consortia partners on developing regional transport plans. In moving forward to achieve all this work, I promise that sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and building a nation that has better and more reliable transport links will be our watchwords.