5-March-2003

MP hands results from 1400 transport questionnaires to city transport boss.

Local MP Alan Whitehead and organiser of a major transport summit in the city will be handing over the results of 1400 questionnaires received from local people to city transport supremo Cllr Richard Williams at the main entrance to the Civic Centre in Southampton on Friday 7 March at 9.30am.

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, says,
"This excellent response rate to the questionnaire shows that transport matters to local people. The results show a mixed picture for transport in the Solent area with more than 50% of respondents saying that the transport system has worsened in the last 5 years, as against 19% saying that it has improved. However, there was a widespread recognition amongst respondents about the need to improve access for cars, local bus services, reduce the cost of public transport and invest in a light rapid transit system."

The results from the transport questionnaires will be presented to 'transport in the Solent area: a vision for 2025' at St Mary's stadium on Thursday 13 March and will help inform debate. Both Skandia Life and uni-link are supporting this important local conference.

Alan Whitehead continues,
"According to the questionnaire results local people see the most progress having been made in facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, Southampton airport, car parking and road safety during the last 5 years. Whereas the least amount of progress has been made in cutting traffic congestion, the cost of public transport, access for cars and bus services."

Councillor Richard Williams, Cabinet member for Transport and Environment at Southampton City Council says,
"Hardly a day goes by without another story about transport, national or local. It is perhaps the most visible and critical issue facing communities today. Getting it right for the future will be fundamental to the well-being, not only of Southampton, but the whole country; and I look forward to reading the view of local people about transport today and their vision of the future.'

Local organisations that have assisted in the distribution of questionnaires include British Gas, Ford, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Skandia Life, Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton Institute and the University of Southampton. Questionnaires were also received via the website and through the post.

Following the transport summit on Thursday 13 March, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council will be launching a new initiative called Solent Transport. Solent Transport is a partnership between the 3 local authorities on a wide variety of transport issues.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
1. The full details of the transport questionnaire results will be published at www.alan-whitehead.org.uk on Thursday 13 March. Copies of these results can be obtained by calling Mike Collins in Alan Whitehead's constituency office.
2. The transport questionnaire was issued between 11 November and 11 December 2002. Copies were sent to major employers in the city, copies were available by post and a questionnaire was posted on the website.
3. Alan Whitehead will be available for interviews on the transport questionnaire and transport summit.

Contact
Mike Collins in the constituency office on 023 8023 1942 or 07855 328914