Eastbourne Greenpeace look at the future of transport

The Eastbourne Greenpeace group hosted an online event to discuss the future of transport on the environment.
Greenpeace Eastbourne SUS-201019-110926001Greenpeace Eastbourne SUS-201019-110926001
Greenpeace Eastbourne SUS-201019-110926001

The event took place on October 14 to look at the improvements needed to local transport, and the role that investing in zero carbon public transport, walking and cycling, has to play in a green recovery from the pandemic.

This event was supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

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It had speakers from Greenpeace, Eastbourne and District Friends of the Earth, Bespoke, Transport Futures, the Eco Action Network (EEAN) transport group, as well as local businesses.

Greenpeace Eastbourne SUS-201019-110936001Greenpeace Eastbourne SUS-201019-110936001
Greenpeace Eastbourne SUS-201019-110936001

The event was also attended by several local councillors and members of the public.

Evie Sier, from Greenpeace Eastbourne, said, “We held this event to call on the UK government to invest £10 billion more every year to transform public transport, walking and cycling, and re-direct the £27 billion they’ve committed to building new roads.

“Here in Eastbourne we need a more integrated transport system and more provisions for walkers and cyclists. It would be lovely to have more pedestrianized areas, especially outside the town hall, in the Grove road and South street area.”

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The government is expected to spend billions on new infrastructure to boost the economy as a result of the Covid crisis, including £27 billion on roads.

Greenpeace say that transport is the UK’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so building more roads only adds to this problem, and will encourage more people to buy cars, and drive more miles. 

Research carried out by YouGov asked people in South East England to choose their top two priorities from a range of seven proposed transport improvements. New roads were the least popular choice, featuring in just six per cent of residents’ picks for what they’d like to see.

In contrast, 53 per cent wanted existing roads to be better maintained, 38 per cent wanted less traffic on the roads, and 36 per cent wanted cheaper bus and train tickets.

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When asked if they’d support or oppose low traffic neighbourhoods, 57 per cent were in support of the measures designed to reduce traffic in certain streets, improve air quality, and encourage walking and cycling.

Andrew Durling, from Eastbourne and District Friends of the Earth said, “This webinar organised by Eastbourne Greenpeace was a very productive one, with a wide range of expert views and evidence-based recommendations for greening-up local transport.

“For me, what emerged was a clear consensus about the way forward and a pressing need to make local politicians acutely aware of this community-wide consensus.

“We know what needs to be done, and the time for action is now.”

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Paul Humphreys from Bespoke said, “There is an increasing groundswell of support for greener transport options such as cycling.

“The big challenge is how to convince the majority that a move away from relying on private cars would be better for everyone, and how to influence public opinion in re-allocating road space to provide a network of safe, secure, segregated routes, especially in the town centre.”

Derrick Coffee, from Transport Futures said, “The absence of bus priority measures in Eastbourne, despite their proven effectiveness in reducing traffic, and the sluggish progress on provision of a comprehensive cycle network for the town over the past 25 years, were two issues raised by more than one speaker.

“The county council’s enthusiasm for a whole new motorway-style dual carriageway from Lewes to Polegate at a cost of around £1 billion, seemed to illustrate that priorities still lie with big new traffic generating road projects.”

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David Everson, from EEAN said, “Those interested in transport and the issue of reducing greenhouse gases in Eastbourne need to engage with the public at large. 

“The population needs to start thinking about the behavioural changes that will be required in order to achieve a reduction on carbon dioxide produced by transport.”

Miles Berkley, also from EEAN said, “We need Eastbourne Borough Council to appoint a councillor as the local champion to take a lead on delivering an integrated transport plan for Eastbourne and district in collaboration with East Sussex County Council.

“This is vital to open the door to the necessary investment to decarbonise and deliver cleaner air - improving health and reducing carbon emissions.”

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Councillor Peter Diplock said, “The borough council is hugely supportive of the work done by the EEAN, particularly in changing and influencing our transport futures.

“We understand the frustration of attempting to deliver transport changes for Eastbourne through the conservative-run county council, but the borough council continue to work constructively with everyone to green-up and improve transport infrastructure in our town.

“Our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030 is one of the most ambitious in the country and we’re doing all we can to deliver that.”

Evie Sier said, “We’re disappointed that Caroline Ansell MP was not able to join us to discuss the greener, more accessible transport we need in Eastbourne.

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“We ask her to join us in calling on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to reverse his commitment to road building in favour of zero carbon public transport and active travel.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about Greenpeace campaigns can join their Zoom meetings, which are held on the first Tuesday of every month. Details for this can be found on Eastbourne Greenpeace Greenwire, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.