GREEN
KEY INITIATIVE
As
you know, i have received a considerable volume of correspondence on the
above, which have been copied to the Partnership through the Park
Authority, by officials in Countryside Division.
Overwhelmingly, the
correspondents have expressed concern about the potential restrictions on
vehicular access to core areas of the Park during periods of high demand.
Among the concerns raised are:
| (i) |
climbers
expressing concern about whether or not transport would be available
late at night, particularly in adverse
weather conditions; |
| (ii) |
whether
the bus service would run to all parts of the Park; |
| (iii) |
whether
sufficient spaces would be provided on the services at peak times; |
| (iv) |
whether
services would operate very early in the morning and late at night; |
| (v) |
problems
associated with activities involving carrying bulky equipment
(climbing, paragliding) which would be made difficult by restricting
car use - these activities require a number of sites to be checked
for suitability "on the day", which would not be possible
by bus; |
| (vi) |
those
who would visit the Park would spend additional time spent on buses
which would mean they would be less likely to visit local shops; |
| (vii) |
others
have said that additional parking/transport costs would mean they
would simply spend less money on other things to compensate, with
consequent implications for the local economy |
| (viii) |
some
visitors have said that, while they currently travel from England
to Snowdonia to walk in the mountains after finishing work, they
would go to the Peak District instead if they were prevented
from parking near the area where they walk, as the additional time
spent on a bus would make an afternoon round trip impractical
|
As you know I am
supporting development of the Green Key initiative through Transport Grant
allocations to both Gwynedd and Conwy Councils.
At present this funding is supporting feasibility studies into the
gateways and extension of the provision of Real Time Passenger Information
for the bus services. I strongly support in principle your plans to improve
public transport to offer a viable alternative to the car for a proportion
of their journeys.
I understand that a
decision is expected to be made soon on the Initiative, and, while remaining
firmly committed to the development of sustainable transport policies, I am
also committed to public consultation, and responding to concerns. I am
confident that you will reflect on the views expressed, as well as the
considerable response made directly to the Partnership, in reaching
decisions on how best to take the Initiative forward. 1 would be grateful if
you could keep myself and my officials both in Countryside Division and
Transport Policy informed.
|