title: Transport
layout: policy published: true
What policies could improve public and private transport infrastructure?
No new fossil-fuel powered vehicles may be sold in the UK after after 2029.
As Vehicle Excise Duty is associated with vehicle emissions, it seems fairer to tax the fuel directly. VED should be scrapped, and fuel duty increased to cover the reduction in income. Overall, the tax levied should be lower, due to the removal of the need to administer VED, though the tax will fall more heavily on those who use more fuel, and thus create more carbon emissions.
Network Rail, the Highways Agency, train operating companies and bus operating companies would all be required to become National Infrastructure Organisations (NIOs) under a policy to ensure that infrastructure which is essential to a functioning society is not solely operated for the benefit of private shareholders, but in the national interest. Develop a long-term plan for complete electrification of the national rail network, and the replacement of diesel trains with electric multiple-units. This has the benefit of reduced emissions, improved efficiency, quieter and more comfortable trains. Alongside electrification, signalling should be updated to ETCS level 2 or 3 standard for improved safety and efficiency.
Investigate feasibility of building a high speed rail network that connects our ten largest cities (and Cardiff also) to the European high speed network via HS1.
Examine which areas of the United Kingdom were most detrimentally affected by the changes in the Beeching Reports, and whether it would be economically feasible to bring back any formerly established railways.
The OpenPolitics Manifesto
@andrewdwilliams - about 9 years ago
Does what it says on the tin. Not a particularly strong policy, just one that I thought deserved inclusion. Would satisfy a lot of local concerns if a promise was made to properly examine the local effects of the Beeching Reports.