Civic Society Comments

Bristol Civic Society response to the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (GBSTS) consultation

17^th October 2005 

GBSTS Study Comments
Atkins
Woodcote Grove
Ashley Road
Epsom
Surrey KT18 5BW

The Society is deeply concerned that the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (GBSTS) recommends a road based approach and the possible conversion of existing rail infrastructure to busways.   This totally denies that Transport Planning can make any contribution to the now widely accepted need to curb greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions. 

We wish to know how the proposal will address the crucial issues of carbon dioxide emissions, air quality and fossil fuel depletion over the coming 25 years. Government and Bristol City Council have set targets for congestion reduction, air quality improvement and CO₂ emission reduction which could not possibly be met regionally if this plan were implemented. 

The Study recommends that public transport should in the next 20-25 years be bus-based. It is well known that, apart from park and ride services, car drivers are reluctant to use public transport based on buses.  Also buses depend on fossil fuel, the cost of which is escalating.  The diesel fuel subsidy for buses, currently running at £1 million per day, will surely become unsustainable.  

Greater priority must therefore be given to energy efficient and non polluting public transport, designed to attract car owners.  This effectively means rail based solutions, heavy, light or ultra light, which ever serves the particular purpose at reasonable cost, making use, wherever possible, of existing infrastructure and exploring innovative technology where necessary.  We refer in particular to the Severn Beach, Portishead and Wapping Road to Ashton Gate railways.  This should be aimed at bringing the benefits of modal shift from private cars, reduced congestion, improved air quality, reduced CO₂ emissions and also opening up significant sustainable urban regeneration opportunities. 

The study proposes to replace the Severn Beach line with a bus based rapid transit, even though this is a well used rail service and strategic diversionary route.  Conversion to Ultra Light Rail is feasible at moderate cost, as shown in the Faber Maunsell report. 

We cannot accept a transport study, which does not give consideration to climate change, public health or energy security, and urge that alternative transport forms be evaluated which support established local and national policy in these areas. 

Audrey Lennox
Chair, Bristol Civic Society