22 September 2023
The Greens are urging the State Government to finally respond to the recommendations of the multi-party Parliamentary Committee on Public and Active Transport, on World Car Free Day.
The committee, chaired by Greens Transport Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC handed down its report in February of this year.
“This World Car Free Day (today) presents an opportunity for the Government to finally respond to the full suite of recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on Public and Active Transport,” said Mr Simms.
“During this time of climate crisis our state must do what we can to reduce the number of cars on our roads, reduce carbon emissions and encourage green transport options. Instead, we have public transport use continuing to slump and cycling infrastructure stalled by a lack of Government focus and investment.”
“The parliamentary inquiry made a number of sensible recommendations that could be actioned by the Government. Sadly, 6 months on, I’m yet to hear a whisper from the state’s Transport Minister. Rather than pumping out more road projects and car races, it’s time for the Government to respond to the report and show the leadership we need to get public and active transport in our state back on track. “
Some of the key recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry include:
- Increasing the frequency of bus services, simplifying concessions and improving connectivity
- Trialing of passenger rail services from Mount Barker to Adelaide and incentivising passenger rail between Adelaide and Melbourne (while servicing regional stops)
- Trialing separated bike infrastructure and traffic calming measures, including speed limit reductions
- Commencing planning for a state-wide, integrated separated cycling network
- Development of a state-wide strategic transport network plan
- Promotion of alternatives to car travel to reduce carbon emissions (with removal of Government messaging that prioritises cars).
- Legislating to enable the use of privately owned e-scooters and other e-personal mobility devices in public spaces (with a recommendation for further work to be undertaken by Government with respect to insurance concerns)
In April this year the Government announced it would be consulting on the status of e-scooters. There has been no public response to the other recommendations. The committee received more than 100 submissions and heard evidence from 50 witnesses.
World Car Free is held on the 22nd of September each and aims to highlight alternatives to car travel.