Holistic Transport

SIR – Alan Kreppel is right in saying that most local authorities have failed in delivering the transport changes need to provide viable alternatives to the private car.

He is also right to suggest that perhaps the time has come for the Welsh Assembly to take responsibility for some of these aspects of transport in order to rectify these shortcomings.

If we are ever to succeed in creating an integrated, inter- modal, all-Wales public transport network, we must employ joined-up thinking and take a holistic approach. The trouble with unitary authorities is – and always has been – that in prioritising their own patch, they have failed to take account of the big, all-Wales picture.

I do not wish to give the impression that I would like to see a general diminution of the powers and responsibilities of local authorities. On the contrary, I would like to see councils taking a far more proactive role in areas such as community-based power generation, planning – again, where micro-generation can be promoted, and waste recycling. They also should continue the good work they do in providing social housing, social services, libraries and leisure facilities.

Transport, however, is a different matter. Basically, unitary authorities should concentrate on what they can do best. It is time that the Assembly made a concerted effort to harmonise and streamline public transport in Wales. This should, as Alan Kreppel points out, be done by creating a not-for-profit bus and rail service.

RHODRI GRIFFITHS

Green Party Assembly Candidate, South Wales West Region, Gowerton Road, Three Crosses, Swansea

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