Most want cleaner air to continue after crisis, says poll
MORE THAN three out of five people have noticed cleaner air during the coronavirus pandemic and would like it to continue once the crisis is over, a survey found.
The poll of 3,000 UK adults, which was commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub, also suggested 64 per cent of people think the Government should invest more in local transport.
Some 62 per cent said they are in favour of boosting electric vehicle charging points, and 54 per cent of those who responded support extra funding for cycle lanes.
Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) think the pandemic has given society an opportunity to make important changes to how we live, with 77 per cent thinking we should walk more.
Hubbub co-founder Gavin Ellis said: “The shift to walking and cycling is great news for the nation’s health as well as the environment, and it’s encouraging to see some areas of the UK investing in safer roads for cyclists.
“It’s also positive to hear that over two-thirds of those we polled believe it’s possible to have a strong economy and look after the environment.”
The Government has made a series of announcements relating to funding boosts for sustainable transport. They include £225m for temporary and permanent cycle lanes and reallocation of road space, £25m to help people get bicycles repaired, and £2.5m to provide 1,180 bicycle parking space at 30 railway stations.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman aid: “It’s encouraging to see that the public clearly backs a post-Covid green legacy in transport, which would see more people cycling and walking, and driving electric vehicles. We’ve provided record funding for local authorities to make sure the trend of using more sustainable forms of transport continues long after this crisis is over.”
It comes as West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced that work to further boost cycle and walking networks has been brought forward as part of its emergency response in partnership with Leeds City Council.
Work has started on a new segregated cycling and walking route on Claypit Lane, near the city centre, as part of a £6.9m package of new infrastructure in Leeds.