Better Transport

9 April: I just finished telling the Government how I thought it should help local councils to create good transport plans.

Local decisions matter. Although central Government determines much of our transport system, local councils are able do things like improve bus services, tackle traffic and make it easier for journeys to be made by walking and cycling.

The councils put together local transport plans and are about to create plans to cover 2011-2016. The Government gives the councils guidance – I’ve just responded to that draft guidance.

Our work will continue, of course. We’ve arranged meetings with the Department for Transport and local government about how to help local councils create strong sustainable transport plans -- particularly important because, with an increasing emphasis on localism, local councils will be given much more freedom to set their own priorities and plans for delivery.