Lee Waters: Passenger numbers using public transport have not returned to pre-COVID levels, but we continue to work with partners to seek ways to get people out of their cars and using more sustainable modes.
Lee Waters: Thank you. The intention is do that this month. There's an awful lot going on around the bus reform agenda. We're looking at the issue of fares, we're looking at the issue of programming—as I say, not just putting in place the legislative framework for allowing franchising, but working with TfW and local authorities on where those routes should go. So, TfW have done some detailed work in...
Lee Waters: Well, it's very much part of our thinking, but, as I've just explained, because we have a fragmented and privatised system, it is not as simple as it sounds, because different operators have different systems, we have no ability to compel them, because they are commercial companies. And the whole point of going to a franchise system across Wales, with standards for workers and for passengers,...
Lee Waters: Well, I'm passionate about the role the bus plays in the sustainable transport system. It's been a neglected part of the debate for far too long. We are dealing with the legacy of privatisation, which makes taking a strategic approach very difficult, because private companies can essentially run the services they wish, and we know, after the years of austerity, councils don't have the funds...
Lee Waters: Thank you. 'Llwybr Newydd', the Wales transport strategy, sets out our plans for an accessible, sustainable and efficient transport system not just in South Wales East, but across the nation.
Lee Waters: I have recently written to Network Rail seeking an update on the action they are taking to improve their performance to ensure better reliability of rail services in Wales.
Lee Waters: It's pie in the sky.
Lee Waters: Well, I fully acknowledge that large road schemes like this are disruptive. They are noisy. They do cause harm to the environment. They do create considerable emissions. It's one of the reasons why we are reviewing our approach to road building. Just to note one point that Heledd Fychan made about this road being commissioned by the Government, I think it was commissioned by Ieuan Wyn Jones...
Lee Waters: Transport for Wales is the acting authority responsible on behalf of the Welsh Government for ensuring that the contractor is fulfilling their responsibilities and duties to the residents of Hirwaun and those affected in the area.
Lee Waters: Well, I think it is difficult when local authorities have given planning permission, and, as you said, it was some time ago. You'd like to think that, given the policy framework I've set out, that wouldn't happen if planning permission was given freshly today. What we can do retrospectively obviously is a more complex question, and certainly one I'd encourage him to engage in a conversation...
Lee Waters: Thank you. I know that there is concern right across the community in Llanbradach and Caerphilly about the destruction of the Bluebell woodlands, and it was distressing to see some of the pictures. I think, if there's any positive to come out of it, it is the fact that there has been such a strong community reaction, who understand the value that biodiversity has to their area. I think we've...
Lee Waters: Thank you. Our planning policies set out a strong framework for the protection of trees, including ancient woodlands. We are amending the Forestry Act 1967 to provide better protection for the environment and a more effective deterrent for illegal felling. Our sustainable farm scheme will provide support to protect and manage ancient woodlands.
Lee Waters: I understand there are often concerns when there are large infrastructure projects. I well remember the claims made when Gwynt y Môr was being developed by people in Llandudno claiming that visitors would stay away from the tourist destination, which has clearly proven to be unfounded. So, we should note there are people who are concerned. There are also people who are very supportive of...
Lee Waters: Engagement and consultation are central to the planning process, and opportunities for communities to express their views on energy schemes are integral to both the preparation of development plans and the determination of planning applications.
Lee Waters: I'm not sure how you put a sigh on the Record, Llywydd, but perhaps that—
Lee Waters: Excellent. Mission accomplished, in that case. I don't know where to begin, really. First of all, there has been no imposition of 20 mph speed limits. The Senedd agreed by overwhelming majority at the beginning of the summer to change the default speed limit. It's entirely within the power of local highways authorities to make exceptions to that. And by the way, that process only happened...
Lee Waters: I appreciate the Member will have written that down before she had a chance to listen to what I said and the challenge that I gave to her. I don't accept the premise of her point. The movement of goods and people is clearly critical. That is not currently possible because we have congestion. You don't solve congestion by building more roads. There's ample international evidence that if you...
Lee Waters: Well, I'm not sure why this is such a complicated policy to grasp, really. We have all committed to meeting our climate change targets. Seventeen per cent of the emissions come from transport. Now, that means we need to take a different approach to transport if we're going to meet those net-zero goals, because transport has been the slowest changing sector since the targets were first set in...
Lee Waters: Well, of course, we are taking action to reduce speed limits. All speeds on local roads will have a default speed limit of 20 mph from next September, with the ability for local authorities to provide for exceptions to keep it at 30 mph. And that, no doubt, will have a knock-on effect about people's sense of speed on other roads. So, we'll also be looking at our setting local speed limits...
Lee Waters: Thank you. As you know, the target of 86 million trees is the breakdown of what we need to plant to meet our carbon emission targets as set out by the UK Climate Change Committee, an independent body. We all sign up on a cross-party basis to achieving net zero. We endorse the work of the UK climate change commission. This is simply pointing out in practice what that will mean. We set up a...
