Cyclists’ city ride to highlight pollution

Councils urged to work together on problem

Council chiefs have been urged to work together to tackle congestion and poor air quality in Canterbury.

The plea was made as 60 cyclists tackled two laps of the busy ring road on Saturday to highlight pollution levels in the city.

After the ride, organiser Dave Ewens delivered a letter to city council leader Simon Cook and the authority’s chief executive Colin Carmichael.

In it the Canterbury Labour Party member called for effective action on congestion and air quality.

“The lack of action on this vital issue is a disgrace,” he said. “The Tory-run council has done nothing and congestion and poor air quality remain at crisis levels, threatening the health of us all, particularly the elderly, young and those with breathing difficulties.

“Global car-free day in 2017 was on yesterday [Friday]. Except for our second cycle-ride protest today, nothing has happened.

“We call again for the city council to liaise with the county council for effective action on conges- tion and poor air quality, and for a meaningful and imaginative response in Canterbury to Global Car-free Day in September 2018.”

Cyclists aged from eight to 80 from most political parties enjoyed the ride, which was well supported by local drivers who tooted their appreciation in support of the initiative.

Earlier this year local Labour councillors backed the idea of a car-free day in Canterbury, hoping to tie it in with Global Carfree Day this month.

The city council passed it to Kent County Council, as the authority on roads, but the proposal has not progressed.