7 February 2019

Why are IBC encouraging motorists into town?

The Ipswich Green Party are concerned that Ipswich Borough Council are actively encouraging motorists to drive into the town centre rather than using the Park and Ride, public transport, cycling or walking.

It is hard for motorists to have missed the signs that have popped up around the town's car parks and even on the approach roads which encourage them to use the Crown Street Car Park. Surely this questions the council's commitment to improving the air quality in Ipswich and addressing the already congested streets?

A local Green Party member said, "Everybody wants the shops and businesses in Ipswich's town centre to thrive. Cheap parking is the wrong way to go about that; slowing traffic and worsening air quality will not encourage visitors to our town.

"Multiple studies have found that people travelling by bike, foot or public transport spend more than car drivers. A recent summary by Transport for London found that walking and cycling improvements can increase retail spend by as much as 30%. The way to encourage a strong local economy and a healthy environment is to make alternatives to the car more attractive."

 

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