Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Car-free Environments

Thursday 28 January 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachael Maskell asked the Minister about steps being taken to assess the economic impact of car-free environments.
  • The Minister responded that the Government supports investment in cycling and walking infrastructure due to its benefits for the economy, public health, and affordability.
  • Maskell requested collaboration to turn York into a car-free city to benefit the community through active travel options.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Economy Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the economic impact of creating car-free zones. She references the need for assessment and investment in cycling and walking infrastructure.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to make an assessment of the effect on the economy of car-free environments?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

The Government strongly agree that investment in cycling and walking infrastructure delivers benefits to national and local economies, better public health and cheaper travel. That is why the Prime Minister has announced the biggest ever funding boost to cycling and walking— a total package of £2 billion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about assessing the economic effect of car-free environments was not addressed; instead, general benefits were mentioned.

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Q2 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Transport Environment
Context

The MP highlights the challenges faced by high streets and expresses support for pedestrianisation initiatives, citing specific benefits such as increased footfall and retail sales.

Question

Will the Minister work with me to realise York's potential as a car-free city, so that my community can reap the environmental, social, health and economic benefits of walking, cycling and active travel?

Answer from Rachel Maclean

I very much thank the hon. Lady for the way in which she is championing active travel in the city of York, and the Department strongly shares that ambition. For example, she will know of the electric park and ride service that has been delivered, thanks to funding from the Department. We very much look forward to continuing those conversations with her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for working together on making York a car-free city was not directly addressed; instead, acknowledgment of shared ambition and ongoing discussions were mentioned.

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