Elections
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Question 4 - we asked:
Air and noise pollution from traffic is a problem in urban areas throughout the County. What actions would you propose to help reduce this pollution, which is a known risk to health and wellbeing? Would you, for example, support a Car Free Day once a month promoted by Durham County Council and major employers who would encourage employees to walk, cycle, or use the bus to travel to work?
We asked this question in these 6 divisions: Belmont, Brandon, Chester-le-Street West Central, Durham South, Elvet and Gilesgate, Neville's Cross.
12 of the candidates responded as below.
Those candidate(s) which were elected are highlighted.
| Michael Drummond Moverley SMITH (Conservative Party) |
To improve air quality and reduce noise pollution from traffic the Conservatives have a very robust and extensive suite of policies. This includes the phasing in of electric cars, introduction of a charging infrastructure to support their use and the supporting of offshore wind power which will have the capacity to power every home in the country by 2030. The longer term aim is to reach net zero emissions |
| Joshua WOOLLER (Conservative Party) |
Along with greater investment in cycle routes, I believe the Council’s collaboration with the UK Government’s aim to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030 would lower carbon emission and noise pollution. The Council must play a significant role in the creation of electric car infrastructure. |
| Jonathan ELMER (Green Party) |
- Support a car free day |
| Roger Michael MCADAM (Green Party) |
I’ll support any initiative to lead healthier lifestyles. |
| Rebecca ASHBY (Labour Party) |
Absolutely yes but make it a free bus day (electric buses of course) and then maybe peoples may change. We need to encourage car sharing especially school and work runs where bus transport has not been laid on. Personally, I would re-think public transport as it is such a critical need for people on low incomes and the most vulnerable and it needs to be affordable, reliable and more routes so that people are not having to travel through the city. |
| Victoria Rose ASHFIELD (Labour Party) |
Move rapidly to requiring electric buses (by using the influence of the subsidies the council gives bus companies) and soon thereafter taxing petrol / diesel cars or providing subsidies for buying / hiring electric cars. Free passes for buses or free / subsidised use of the park and ride could make a much more sgnificant impact. |
| Anne BONNER (Labour Party) |
Excellent idea. Car free days work well in some European countries. |
| Omide DEINALI (Labour Party) |
I would support the idea but it would require better public transport first. |
| Christine Anne FLETCHER (Labour Party) |
Yes. |
| Brian Andrew FREEMAN (Labour Party) |
I consider that well promoted voluntary Car Free Days are undoubtedly a means of leading people to consider alternatives means of transport that they could use regularly. I can see this could indeed be of considerable educational value. This should be linked to asking people to use the Park and Ride system, which I am glad to say that as a result of an initiative by the Labour led County Council will have electric buses. |
| Liz BROWN (Liberal Democrat) |
I have always liked the idea of car free days. All employers should produce a travel plan and where possible adhere to it |
| Michael WATSON (Liberal Democrat) |
As a Lib Dem Parish Councillor, I disagree with Durham County Councils timeline and target for carbon emissions reduction to address climate change. Durham County Council are saying by 2050, I firmly believe the target should be 2030, much earlier, as we are moving into a critical ten year period where radical change in our climate will happen, our society, the way we live could be badly changed with huge changes in our climate that may bring radical weather patterns. A quicker target to reduce carbon emissions would reduce air and noise pollution in our urban areas. Furthermore I would encourage Durham County Council and other stakeholders to invest in the new Metro or light passenger train extension along the mothballed Leamside Line. Once the Leamside Line was opened commuters would use this low carbon footprint transport system to get to work or to go shopping etc, therefore removing many thousands of cars from the roads, reducing the carbon emissions and road congestion. I would urge Durham County Council and business to look at maybe charging employees a parking fee in corporate car parking areas to discourage car use or car sharing, so employees could use public transport, therefore improving pollution levels in urban areas. I have looked at Newcastle City Council using a fleet of electric powered buses, Durham County Council must be urged to look into subsidies to roll this sort of project out. I would whole heartedly support a Car Free Day once a month, make it an event. |
SPACE for Durham is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by SPACE for Durham, c/o 35 Archery Rise, Durham, DH1 4LA.