BEC believes we can only address the climate emergency if we work closely with others. That’s why since 2016 we’ve led on the development of Zero West – a collaboration to accelerate the zero-carbon transition in the West of England region.
Last April Zero West and Transport for Greater Bristol launched Moving Bristol Forward – a new campaign calling for clean, affordable, accessible and efficient transport in Greater Bristol. This was thanks to a £29,000 grant from the Foundation for Integrated Transport.
The first public phase of the campaign was the release of a new manifesto for integrated transport planning for Greater Bristol. It was written following a number of stakeholder events, and calls for practical changes including a new tram system, giving public transport priority over private cars, and better provision for walking and cycling.
Ahead of the Bristol and WECA mayoral elections last May, MBF called on individuals and organisations to support the campaign by asking the candidates to back the manifesto. A number of candidates did this, and there were positive discussions with candidates from all the main parties.
The second phase of the campaign was the publication this month of a detailed study into how tram routes would work in Bristol. Modern mass transit is vital to persuade people they don’t need to get in their cars for every journey that’s too far to walk. This report shows how trams are now the best option for the city. It has been shared with all 4 West of England local authority leaders and the new WECA mayor Dan Norris, who has agreed to a meeting shortly.
We’re very pleased that the MBF campaign has now secured additional funding from the Foundation for Integrated Transport, and this will help the campaign engage with more people and groups. The next phase of the campaign is now being planned, and the initial steering group is being extended to include more people from across the region. There’s an advisory group too which is looking for additional people. If you’d like to get involved with the campaign at all, please email movingbristolforward2030@gmail.com
