Blog ARCHIVE
2025 transport review
One step forward, two steps back What has gone well in 2025 Like any year, assessing whether there has been any progress is difficult when things are so complex. However, we’ve seen several significant milestones in 2025 which should bring lasting benefits: The Bus Services Act in England became law,...
Planning reforms could fail unless transport unblocked
Planning reforms could fail unless transport unblocked Despite transport being one of the most common reasons for housing developments stalling or facing local objections, the Government’s misguided focus on nature is getting in the way of long overdue change. That is the warning from Transport Action Network (TAN) in response...
Opening of privatised Lower Thames Crossing motorway delayed to 2034
Opening of privatised Lower Thames Crossing motorway delayed to 2034 Transport Action Network (TAN) has reacted to the news that the £11bn Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) motorway: Will be fully privatised Opening has slipped from 2032 to 2034 (despite no legal challenges) Will proceed before it is known if it...
Government makes further cuts to walking and cycling days before consultation ends
Government makes further cuts to walking and cycling days before consultation ends In the final days of consultation on England’s new five year plan for cycling and walking1, the Government has made further funding cuts. Campaigners at Transport Action Network (TAN)2 are sounding the alarm about the funding allocation of...
Lower Thames Crossing spiralling costs: 17% increase in just 9 months
Lower Thames Crossing spiralling costs: 17% increase in just 9 months Transport Action Network (TAN) has condemned the “utterly predictable” news in the Financial Times1 that the cost of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) has jumped 17% to £11bn in just 9 months. The private investment needed has risen from...
Welcome moves to tackle vehicle taxation
Welcome moves to tackle vehicle taxation Commenting on today’s announcement in the Chancellor’s Budget of a new pay as you drive charge for electric vehicles1, the freeze on rail fares2, the gradual withdrawal of the temporary fuel duty cut3, and an additional £891m for the Lower Thames Crossing4, Chris Todd,...
Chancellor urged to scrap Lower Thames Crossing in favour of stronger growth-generating rail projects
Chancellor urged to scrap Lower Thames Crossing in favour of stronger growth-generating rail projects In its Budget submission to UK Chancellor of the Exchequer [1], Transport Action Network (TAN) has invited the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP to consider scrapping the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), a new six-lane ‘smart’ motorway...
Pay as you drive the fairest way to go
Pay as you drive the fairest way to go Commenting on yesterday’s headlines about the possibility of The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, bringing in pay as you drive charges for drivers of electric vehicles1, Chris Todd, Director of Transport Action Network said: “With a gaping hole in the nation’s budgets and...
Demand for transparency on Smart Motorways
As campaigners call for POPES to be freed on Bonfire Night Smart Motorways are widely seen to have been a failure. Deeply unpopular with road users and breakdown services, they have led to more live lane injuries and fatalities. As a result, in 2023, the further rollout of new schemes...
Consultation on walking and cycling strategy welcomed but questions on budget
Consultation on walking and cycling strategy welcomed but questions on budget Commenting on yesterday’s launch of the consultation on the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3)1, Chris Todd, Director of Transport Action Network said: “Having secured a historic victory in the Court of Appeal this summer against Treasury cuts...
Will transport delays scupper credibility of new climate plan?
Will transport delays scupper credibility of new climate plan? Commenting on today’s publication of the Government’s new climate plan, the Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan, Chris Todd, Director of Transport Action Network said: “With communities from England to Jamaica facing catastrophic uninsurable losses as climate breakdown accelerates, this new...
Challenge to Government’s ‘blockers’ rhetoric
Challenge to Government’s ‘blockers’ rhetoric Transport Action Network is challenging the latest ‘builders not blockers’ rhetoric from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which is denigrating local communities while dismissing genuine concerns1. Chris Todd, Director of Transport Action Network said: “At last Rachel Reeves is starting to look at what really holds up...
Toxic concrete concerns
The government’s desire to be seen to be doing things at pace is already leading to poor and costly decisions. There is also a real risk that the public will be put in danger. Concerns have already been raised that the “low carbon pathfinder” status of National Highways’ £16 billion...
National Highways’ Toxic Run-Off
It has been widely reported that our rivers are polluted, with not a single river in England in good overall health. What isn’t so well known is that a major source of this pollution comes from our roads – oil spills, particulate matter, and microplastics from tyre and brake wear....
Draft RIS3 leaves many questions unanswered
A credible plan to improve journeys? Draft RIS3 leaves many questions unanswered Transport Action Network (TAN)1 has welcomed the publication of the draft third road investment strategy (2026 - 2031) (draft RIS3)2 with a budget of £25bn3. The draft outlines the government’s priorities for the Strategic Road Network (SRN). However,...
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