May the 4th be with who? #GMMayor responses
Over recent months we’ve engaged with members of the public and local and national advocacy groups to consider how the new Mayor can best help deliver cleaner, safer and healthier efficient and sustainable transport options. As a result we formed a ten-point action plan for the new Mayor, then asked mayoral candidates to commit to and comment on each item. We’ve also sent related letters to GMCA and the ten GM Local Authorities.
We received responses from five candidates who each committed to all of our ten points. Their responses are detailed below. We didn’t receive responses from Marcus Farmer (Independent) or Shneur Odze (UKIP) and we couldn’t find any contact info for Mohammed Aslam (Independent).
We received these comments from Andy Burnham (Labour):
“Cycling is a great way of getting around. It’s affordable, environmentally friendly and a good way to keep fit. Thousands of people in Greater Manchester regularly commute to and from work on their bikes. But we need to develop more designated cycle routes that separate cyclists from cars. With faster, safer routes even more people will see cycling as a genuine alternative to using the car.”
“If elected Mayor on Thursday, I will work with Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs to make cycling safer, quicker and more enjoyable.”
Pledges in the transport manifesto of Sean Anstee (Conservative) include:
“I will make our city region cycling-friendly by working with local councils to create safer junctions and smarter bus stops. I will also establish a bike rental scheme so that everyone has access to this mode of transport.”
“I will introduce smart ticketing, making it easier and quicker to buy the ticket you need to travel, and ensure one ticket can be used across buses, trains and trams. I will bring Greater Manchester’s buses under the Mayor’s control, subject to legislation.”
In his transport manifesto Stephen Morris (English Democrats) states:
“Greater use will be made of city cycle-ways and pedestrian friendly areas.”
Jane Brophy (Liberal Democrats) and Will Patterson (Green Party) provided comments to the individual items in our plan, and these are listed below.
To view the full text for each ask please view our previous post with full details of the 10-point action plan.
For each of our five “key asks” we asked:
If elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester do you commit to promote:
1. A Healthy Streets Agenda
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: I’m passionate about promoting walking and cycling. I do so myself for leisure every weekend!
Will Patterson (Green) comment: I’m also looking to implement a Barcelona-style ‘superblock’ model of planning restricting traffic in high-density residential areas, with more space for walking and cycling.
2. A GM-wide Cycling Network
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: A GM-wide cycling network is a top priority for me if elected as GM Mayor.
3. A Public Cycle Hire Scheme
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: Would definitely do this. I would call them “Brophy Bikes”
4. Convenient Cycle Parking
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: A great idea! Happy to support.
5. VisionZero
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: Have supported pavements are for people. Would be happy to implement VisionZero.
Will Patterson (Green) comment: I intend to use the Mayor’s PCC powers to treat road traffic injuries caused by careless driving in the same way as violent crimes.
We then asked:
To help prioritise the initiatives above do you commit to targets, funding and leadership:
6. At least one flagship scheme in each LA
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: Happy to promote this across Greater Manchester.
Will Patterson (Green) comment: I intend to focus in particular on schools – promoting walk and cycle to school schemes to encourage activity and reduce congestion during the morning rush hour.
7. Create a Dedicated Budget
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
8. Appoint a Commissioner
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Finally we asked:
Will you also commit to the following complimentary measures:
9. Smarter Public Transport
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
10. Cleaner Air
Yes: Andy Burnham (Lab), Jane Brophy (LD), Sean Anstee (Con), Stephen Morris (ED), Will Patterson (Grn).
Jane Brophy (LibDem) comment: Improving air-quality in Greater Manchester is a top priority for me.
Will Patterson (Green) comment: LEZs and the Workplace Parking Levy are specifically set out in my manifesto.
We hope this information helps you choose who to vote for, or at least assures you that whoever wins will make improvements. It is expected that the level of voter turnout will influence how much power the Mayor has, so please make sure you vote on Thursday May 4th.
You can vote for first choice and optionally a second choice candidate. This is explained at gmelects.org.uk.
To find your polling station just enter your postcode into: wheredoivote.co.uk
