INTRODUCTION

  Sustrans is a practical charity which seeks to implement solutions to the problem of car dependency. In partnership with others we are creating the 10,000-mile National Cycle Network. We are also pioneers of the concept of Safe Routes to School, an important aspect of all new housing development. Our other work involves walking, HomeZones, health promotion, safe routes to shops and to stations, and transport information under the "TravelSmart" banner.

  Much of our work involves cross-cutting themes, such as community involvement and participation, safe streets for all, and accessibility not mobility. >From experience we have come to realise the absolutely crucial link between land use planning and transport.

PROBLEMS

  Accordingly we are alarmed and perplexed that the Deputy Prime Minister's statement of 18 July makes no mention of transport. Each of the four growth areas already has considerable problems of road congestion and public transport access. Has nothing been done to calculate the transport implications of 200,000 new households?

  We urge the Committee to examine how the proposed housing growth relates to the Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan. This has in itself been criticised as inadequate—for example, its lack of interest in an East-West rail link would adversely affect the Cambridge-Stansted corridor.

  Other topics for consideration include:

—  Adequate and attractive bus services.

—  Freight movements.

—  Commuting patterns resulting from the new housing provision.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

  At the same time, these proposed developments do offer a great opportunity in sustainable transport planning. Main elements of this should include:

—  All main residential areas to be within 20 mph zones.

—  All new schools to be based primarily on access by foot and cycle.

—  All new housing to have good public transport links.

—  New housing and employment centres to be connected by Green Travel Plans.

—  Rail and bus stations in the new development areas to have Safe Routes for access on foot or by cycle.

—  New local facilities—especially in the health field—to be accessed primarily by bus, cycle and walking.

—  New housing developments to have their own high quality cycle networks, and for these in turn to have strategic links to the National Cycle Network.

—  All new households to be incorporated into plans for public transport information and "TravelSmart" marketing schemes.

  By seeking to reduce the number and length of motorised journeys and by providing high quality and attractive alternatives to the car, the proposed new communities could act as a role model for development elsewhere.