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West Midlands: Transport
08 May 2024
Lead MP
Rachel Maclean
Redditch
Con
Responding Minister
Huw Merriman
Tags
TransportBenefits & WelfareWomen & EqualitiesLocal Government
Word Count: 9698
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Rachel Maclean raised concerns about west midlands: transport in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms. Maclean asked for details on how quickly the £4 million can be spent on Redditch's roads, whether noise cameras will be rolled out in Worcestershire, steps to support motorists during high cost of living times, measures to ensure bus services are viable and sustainable without long-term subsidies, and actions being taken to promote active transport options for people with disabilities.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms. Maclean highlighted the importance of transport in Redditch and its role in economic development, including road quality issues with 52% dissatisfaction reported by constituents. She pointed out that roads managed by Worcestershire County Council are underfunded despite receiving £4 million for repairs over two years, and traffic congestion was also a major concern with 43% of respondents mentioning it as an issue. Additionally, she raised concerns about bus services with only 11% satisfaction among respondents and the need to maintain reliable train connections to Birmingham.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
The MP acknowledged investment in the Chase line's rolling stock and electrification, noting increased ridership. He requested weekend service extensions for Penkridge station and direct services from Stone to Manchester. The MP also asked about improving disabled access at Stone station and addressed issues of potholes and funding disparities between rural counties and urban areas.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Helen Morgan highlighted the challenges faced by residents in North Shropshire due to a lack of viable public transport, noting that rural households spend about £800 more annually on fuel compared to urban areas. She pointed out that bus services in Shropshire declined by 63% between 2015 and 2023, making it difficult for young people and older individuals who cannot drive to access essential services or education opportunities. Morgan also raised concerns about the lack of Sunday bus service in Market Drayton and requested updates on funding for step-free access at Whitchurch station and the timeline for the Oswestry-to-Gobowen train line project.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Congratulates the hon. Lady for securing this debate, questioning if net zero targets were part of her questionnaire and highlighting the importance of infrastructure in meeting these targets.
Torfaen
Mr. Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the challenges highlighted by Ms. Maclean, including traffic and road quality issues in Redditch.
Birmingham Erdington
In Birmingham, Erdington constituents struggle with delays in bus travel which can often mean waiting for up to an hour and a half on match days and over an hour on regular days. Since Labour was last in government, there has been a 47% decrease in weekly bus services across the West Midlands and a 24% decline in Paulette Hamilton's constituency alone.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Constituents in Birmingham, Edgbaston rely on buses for connecting to jobs, public services and leisure activities. Buses are indispensable for the less affluent part of society who do not own cars. However, since 2010, over 30% of bus routes have been cut across the West Midlands region with more than 2,000 routes disappearing in England alone from 2021 onwards. The new Mayor Richard Parker aims to bring buses back under public control to better meet community needs and create more accessible services.
Simon Lightwood
Lab Co-op
Wakefield and Rothwell
Acknowledged the importance of effective public transport for economic growth and labour mobility. Highlighted significant declines in bus services since deregulation, including a reduction of 300 million fewer bus miles per year since 2010. Emphasised the need for subsidy reform to improve bus service quality. Stressed the critical role of high-quality transportation in supporting educational opportunities, job access, and community connectivity in the west midlands.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Asks whether nitrogen dioxide levels adversely affect children's health and criticises the government for passing responsibility to local authorities instead of addressing air quality issues directly. The MP intervened to highlight the financial deficit forecast for West Midlands Combined Authority, raising concerns about responsibility attribution.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Gratefully acknowledges securing the debate, supports the vision for transport projects in the West Midlands including funding for train stations and restoring train services, urging on-time delivery. Welcomes the Minister's support for previous Mayor Andy Street and asks for continued work with the new Mayor to deliver Aldridge train station and explore an open-access route from Wales to Euston with a stop at Aldridge.
Government Response
Huw Merriman
Government Response
The Minister highlighted significant investment plans for the West Midlands including a £36 billion plan to improve UK transport. He detailed specific funding such as £8.3 billion for highway maintenance, £4.7 billion for local transport funds, and over £1 billion for city region sustainable transport settlements. The resurfacing fund includes an additional £5.1 million for the West Midlands Combined Authority and £4.76 million for Worcestershire County Council. The Minister also committed to extending the popular £2 bus fare cap and increasing bus frequency with £230 million allocated to the West Midlands. He further addressed specific infrastructure projects like Aldridge station, Redditch station improvements, and the A38 Bromsgrove route enhancement programme. Additionally, he mentioned support for rural mobility initiatives and Access for All programme aimed at improving accessibility at railway stations.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.