The Secretary of State for Transport has weighed in on Thornbury High Street, after Luke Hall called on the Government to include Thornbury in its review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
Mark Harper accepted Luke’s invitation to visit Thornbury to see the High Street changes for himself after the Government launched a review of Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods across England to ensure motorists can use their cars to do the things that matter most to them.
The MP for Thornbury, Alveston and the surrounding villages met the Transport Secretary on the High Street to discuss the lack of community support for the changes to the High Street and used the opportunity to repeat his call for a fair compromise over the future of Thornbury High Street, suggesting that a one-way system for all traffic.
Accessibility for residents has been at the heart of Luke’s position, with the MP already helping to secure additional blue badge parking spaces and the promise of a return of a bus service through the High Street - both of which had not been considered before the MP’s intervention.
Luke Hall said, “Luke said: “Pedestrianised High Street Schemes which proceed without community support are hugely damaging communities like Thornbury. I am pleased to have talked in detail with the Transport Secretary about the lack of support for the changes. We need to take this opportunity to consider whether there is a route back towards allowing vehicles on the High Street in Thornbury.”
The Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, commented:
“It’s right that the Prime Minister has asked for a review to be carried out into Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. A number were introduced during the pandemic with a lack of consultation. Where local authorities have schemes that aren’t popular, are very controversial and aren’t very well supported, then it would probably be wise for them to look at them again. Active travel should be about giving people more choice on how they travel, not banning them from driving in places. I had a good conversation with Luke Hall MP about how this principle should apply across the country, including Thornbury.”
Liz Brennan, Deputy Group Leader of the Conservative Group on South Gloucestershire Council added:
“It’s right that Thornbury High Street should be included in the national review of Low Traffic Zones. The changes to Thornbury High Street have not attracted community support so it’s right to consider all the options.”
Luke Hall has vowed to keep speaking up on the issue, and plans to repeat his call for a one-way system for all traffic in the House of Commons
