'Lib Dems Princes Park by-election candidate is calling on the Council to do more to promote clean air in Medway'

Medway's poor air quality can have a big impact on our health and well-being. John Castle, our candidate for the upcoming Princes Park by-election is are calling on the council to do more to promote cleaner air in the Medway towns. To do more to encourage people to use public transport, or to travel by bike or on foot and to investigate how it can make our bus services more affordable, especially for families travelling together, where a return ticket to Chatham could cost over £10. There should be an arrangement between Medway Council and bus providers in the Towns to promote green transport methods.

The Air Quality Annual Status Report states that the Towns major roads and congestion are the main sources of air pollution. Medway Council needs to promote its existing Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) to address pollution in the region by encouraging people to use public transport, supporting sustainable development, and promoting eco-driving and car sharing.

Our roads need to be more inviting to cycling, with more repairs to potholes, new cycle lanes and secure bike parking in our town centres. Liberal Democrats strongly favour a pro-cycling policy and the need for more secure cycle parking and cycle paths across the towns. As traffic congestion account to Medway's emissions each year, cycling during peak hours would contribute to further emission reductions by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow across Medway.

John Castle said, "planning should promote the benefits both to health and economic of integrating cycling into the surrounding environment. We also need to encourage more use of safe drop-off points for personal deliveries to reduce the number of van trips on our main roads and quiet residential streets. The council should investigate grants from the Government and other funding agencies for electric vehicle charging points. This would help encourage the up-take of electric vehicles and improve our air quality.

Medway Council should be leading the way to improve environmental standards in the Medway Towns by promoting sensible policies. A Liberal Democrat controlled Council would invest in infrastructure in Medway to improve air quality around our towns."

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

John is an experienced campaigner for Medway Liberal Democrats. John has a strong understanding of social justice and campaigned to reinstate a mental health unit in Medway. He is also actively campaigning on a number of issues, including the environment, homelessness issues and campaigning on air quality issues.

John has been a member of the Liberal Democrats since 2011 and has held several positions and is currently the Chair. John has stood for council twice previously in 2015 and 2019.

QUOTE:

"I know first hand that traffic related issues getting in and out of the ward can be a daily challenge for residents. These traffic issues contribute to the air quality issues seen across Medway. I know that the Council can do better on air quality. I believe in and campaign for the protection of greenspaces. The Conservatives are also letting developers have the whip hand. It's time to improve Medway, better is possible."