1. The second conference of the Bath Alliance for Transport and Public Realm was held on 4 April, chaired by Sir Peter Hendy. West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Mayor Tim Bowles spoke about Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP) 4, and the B&NES political Parties presented their transport manifestos for the May elections. The Alliance presented its own 'mock' manifesto. The Parties' proposals were fairly generic, but generally support reducing private car use accompanied by better alternatives. The Alliance is now consulting its members on the way forward, particularly whether to continue with the new Council as hitherto to provide support, advice and encouragement to develop and deliver a long term, comprehensive transport plan for Bath, or to move to a more public facing campaign or pressure group, seeking to attract individual supporters. As FoBRA is a key member of the Alliance, members' views would be welcome.
2. FoBRA submitted its comments on the WECA consultation draft of the JLTP 4, the new statutory transport plan for our area (copy on the website). Robin and I will be meeting the WECA Director of Infrastructure in June to discuss this.
3. B&NES air quality data for 2018 is expected to be available in mid-May. This should provide an important indicator of whether or not there is a sustained reduction in NO2 pollution. The data will be posted on the website.
4. B&NES Council has made an Experimental Traffic Order banning coaches from The Circus and surrounding streets, which comes into force on 2 May. Well done CARA! This does not affect the red tour buses, which are regulated by the Traffic Commissioner.
5. As part of its effort to reduce air pollution in Bath, B&NES has offered a limited number of discounted price parking permits in the city centre for zero emission vehicles.
Patrick Rotheram, Transport Lead 1 May 2019