New web site encourages you to try a bus:
http://www.tryabus.co.uk/
With leather seats, wifi, automated bus stop announcements and BBC news on display, I certainly find it a better experience now.
Showing posts with label traffic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traffic. Show all posts
Saturday, June 21
Friday, June 21
Road vs Solar Energy at Fareham Borough Council
A while ago IG Vogt submitted a plan for a large solar farm on land in the south of Fareham Borough, just before the plan was to be discussed and voted on at Fareham Borough Council, the company withdrew the application after council officers and Natural England raised concerns about the project.
The alleged problem Natural England had with the project turned out to be one of communication between IG Vogt and Natural England, a mix up with maps etc.
Recently IG Vogt exhibited a revised project plan that they intend to submit soon. The revised plan reduces the size of the project and addresses the concerns of the borough officers and Natural England.
Meanwhile, various councillors and politicians have joined forces by supporting the building of a 'bypass' road, most likely on the same land that the solar farm would be built on.
Here is a summary of the story of the solar farm as told in The News over the last few months:
Sept 2012
The leader of Fareham Borough Council (Sean Woodward) apparently stated that the solar farm plan was a "shocking proposal" and "it would represent a loss of a significant area of countryside", then listed one positive attribute and three negative attributes about the project. The News then proceeded to use the "shocking" quote and theme in subsequent articles about the FBC leader and the solar farm project.
Fareham council boss hits out at plans for huge solar farm – 15 Sept 2012
Public urged to make voice heard on Stubbington solar farm plan – 19 Sept 2012
It’s big, green and may be heading to a field near you – 25 Sept 2012
Oct 2012
The News continues to report about the 'fears' of Cllr Woodward and stated that the project attracted criticism from the councillor.
‘Solar farm is Fareham’s future’ – 11 Oct 2012
Survey shows ‘public support’ for solar farm – 16 Oct 2012
Nov 2012
The News reports that more letters are to be sent out to reach a wider audience. Fareham Borough Councils leader is reported as stating that the "council is not taking lightly be any means", also "Councillors have put it in their newsletters".
Council sends just 13 letters on huge solar farm plans – 19 Nov 2012
Feb 2013
IG Vogt withdrew their planning application for the solar farm project.
The council report indicated two main reasons for council officers advising against approving the project.
Planning application for Stubbington solar farm pulled – 13 Feb 2013
April 2013
So 8 months passed with negative remarks in the press about the solar farm from Fareham Borough Council. Throughout those months, there was a lot of talk about the 'Stubbington bypass'.
Firstly improvements to Newgate Lane appear to be on Fareham Borough Council leaders agenda and The News reported that he said things like "It's extremely good news" and "others which will benefit to".
In the same month The News printed an editorial asking for solar power to be given a chance.
Funding to ease jams on busy Gosport road – 4 April 2013
Solar power is here to stay, so give it a chance – 26 April 2013
May 2013
The News reports that the new transport boss at Hampshire County Council (also cllr Woodward) 'kick-started' work on the Stubbington bypass. The first 'act' of the councillor in the new position was to 'order updates to plans' for a bypass. The paper stated 'He wants to prepare the case for the road'.
The project also gained political support from the local Conservative association, yet there was no public support from them regarding the solar farm.
Later in the month the council leader made further comments about bringing forward the road scheme, that the project was 'vitally important' to the area, bringing 'economic prosperity' and improving 'quality of life'.
New roads boss putsStubbington bypass at the top of agenda - 28 May 2013
Transport chief Cllr Sean Woodward puts Stubbington bypass bid back on track - 28 may 2013
June 2013
Now in June Cllr Woodward confronted with a new solar farm proposal, was reported by The News that he was 'considering' a report about the Stubbington bypass!
Cllr Woodward is later reported mentioning that the bypass is for 'all of South Hampshire'.
Revised plans for solar farm will go on public show – 6 June 2013
Council to consult on Stubbington Bypass
Stubbington bypass cash must come from bid to government –13 June 2013
This 'timeline' of events is admittedly how The News reported the story, but I supsect the bias in enthusiam for the bypass is genuine. As always with these things (including climate science) it is the sum of all the parts that gives the full picture, not the cherry picked moments in time.
Since the story first broke it appears that Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council and South Hampshire Transport Committee Member at Hampshire County Council has been vocally negative towards the solar farm and vocally positive towards the road scheme. Throughout the period in question very little positive support is visible for renewable energy, or any mention of the benefits to the local community of reducing pollution, improving biodiversity and preventing climate change. In contrast, no negative impacts of a proposed bypass are mentioned, such as substantial roadworks, particulate pollution, loss of farm land, large scale use of concrete and other carbon hungry materials, greater capacity for car use, increased CO2 emissions and increased bird mortality (cars kill more birds than wind turbines), to name but a few.
In the last few weeks a DEFRA funded report on the threats and opportunities of climate change, pointed out that one of the threats was volatility of food imports into the UK. Countries will ban food exports to us as their own home markets become a higher priority. The reality is that local decisions have an international impact and that in turn has a local impact. Everything is connected, building roads will just aggravate the problem.
Supporting growth without dealing with the problem of low carbon energy provision, is going to result in serious problems in the future. People need jobs, but they need dry homes and food far more. Something that can only be provided by tackling climate change and that means solar/wind energy for the forseeable future.
The alleged problem Natural England had with the project turned out to be one of communication between IG Vogt and Natural England, a mix up with maps etc.
Recently IG Vogt exhibited a revised project plan that they intend to submit soon. The revised plan reduces the size of the project and addresses the concerns of the borough officers and Natural England.
Meanwhile, various councillors and politicians have joined forces by supporting the building of a 'bypass' road, most likely on the same land that the solar farm would be built on.
Here is a summary of the story of the solar farm as told in The News over the last few months:
Sept 2012
The leader of Fareham Borough Council (Sean Woodward) apparently stated that the solar farm plan was a "shocking proposal" and "it would represent a loss of a significant area of countryside", then listed one positive attribute and three negative attributes about the project. The News then proceeded to use the "shocking" quote and theme in subsequent articles about the FBC leader and the solar farm project.
Fareham council boss hits out at plans for huge solar farm – 15 Sept 2012
Public urged to make voice heard on Stubbington solar farm plan – 19 Sept 2012
It’s big, green and may be heading to a field near you – 25 Sept 2012
Oct 2012
The News continues to report about the 'fears' of Cllr Woodward and stated that the project attracted criticism from the councillor.
‘Solar farm is Fareham’s future’ – 11 Oct 2012
Survey shows ‘public support’ for solar farm – 16 Oct 2012
Nov 2012
The News reports that more letters are to be sent out to reach a wider audience. Fareham Borough Councils leader is reported as stating that the "council is not taking lightly be any means", also "Councillors have put it in their newsletters".
Council sends just 13 letters on huge solar farm plans – 19 Nov 2012
Feb 2013
IG Vogt withdrew their planning application for the solar farm project.
The council report indicated two main reasons for council officers advising against approving the project.
Planning application for Stubbington solar farm pulled – 13 Feb 2013
April 2013
So 8 months passed with negative remarks in the press about the solar farm from Fareham Borough Council. Throughout those months, there was a lot of talk about the 'Stubbington bypass'.
Firstly improvements to Newgate Lane appear to be on Fareham Borough Council leaders agenda and The News reported that he said things like "It's extremely good news" and "others which will benefit to".
In the same month The News printed an editorial asking for solar power to be given a chance.
Funding to ease jams on busy Gosport road – 4 April 2013
Solar power is here to stay, so give it a chance – 26 April 2013
May 2013
The News reports that the new transport boss at Hampshire County Council (also cllr Woodward) 'kick-started' work on the Stubbington bypass. The first 'act' of the councillor in the new position was to 'order updates to plans' for a bypass. The paper stated 'He wants to prepare the case for the road'.
The project also gained political support from the local Conservative association, yet there was no public support from them regarding the solar farm.
Later in the month the council leader made further comments about bringing forward the road scheme, that the project was 'vitally important' to the area, bringing 'economic prosperity' and improving 'quality of life'.
New roads boss putsStubbington bypass at the top of agenda - 28 May 2013
Transport chief Cllr Sean Woodward puts Stubbington bypass bid back on track - 28 may 2013
June 2013
Now in June Cllr Woodward confronted with a new solar farm proposal, was reported by The News that he was 'considering' a report about the Stubbington bypass!
Cllr Woodward is later reported mentioning that the bypass is for 'all of South Hampshire'.
Revised plans for solar farm will go on public show – 6 June 2013
Council to consult on Stubbington Bypass
Stubbington bypass cash must come from bid to government –13 June 2013
This 'timeline' of events is admittedly how The News reported the story, but I supsect the bias in enthusiam for the bypass is genuine. As always with these things (including climate science) it is the sum of all the parts that gives the full picture, not the cherry picked moments in time.
Since the story first broke it appears that Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council and South Hampshire Transport Committee Member at Hampshire County Council has been vocally negative towards the solar farm and vocally positive towards the road scheme. Throughout the period in question very little positive support is visible for renewable energy, or any mention of the benefits to the local community of reducing pollution, improving biodiversity and preventing climate change. In contrast, no negative impacts of a proposed bypass are mentioned, such as substantial roadworks, particulate pollution, loss of farm land, large scale use of concrete and other carbon hungry materials, greater capacity for car use, increased CO2 emissions and increased bird mortality (cars kill more birds than wind turbines), to name but a few.
In the last few weeks a DEFRA funded report on the threats and opportunities of climate change, pointed out that one of the threats was volatility of food imports into the UK. Countries will ban food exports to us as their own home markets become a higher priority. The reality is that local decisions have an international impact and that in turn has a local impact. Everything is connected, building roads will just aggravate the problem.
Supporting growth without dealing with the problem of low carbon energy provision, is going to result in serious problems in the future. People need jobs, but they need dry homes and food far more. Something that can only be provided by tackling climate change and that means solar/wind energy for the forseeable future.
Thursday, February 3
Save Our Buses
Although I haven't noticed any significant cuts in bus services in Havant Borough, the one exception being the x42 at the weekend, it is clear that the current governments cuts may result in some services being cut by the local Conservative council.
Any cuts will have an impact on those trying to get to work and as I have often pointed out previously our dependency on cars has resulted in supermarkets dominating shopping habits, which in turn has resulted in a higher reliance on buses for pensioners and others with a low income.
Places like Hambledon are quite isolated if you don't own your own transport.
Better Transport (president Michael Palin) are running a campaign to save bus services:
http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/campaigns/save-our-buses
The other point of course is that buses are greener than a typical car. Unless you own a Fiat 500 TwinAir then your CO2 emissions are very likely to be greater than a typical bus journey. Any cuts in bus services will also conflict with Havant Borough Councils new travel plan campaign which is aimed at getting people to use their cars less.
Any cuts will have an impact on those trying to get to work and as I have often pointed out previously our dependency on cars has resulted in supermarkets dominating shopping habits, which in turn has resulted in a higher reliance on buses for pensioners and others with a low income.
Places like Hambledon are quite isolated if you don't own your own transport.
Better Transport (president Michael Palin) are running a campaign to save bus services:
http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/campaigns/save-our-buses
The other point of course is that buses are greener than a typical car. Unless you own a Fiat 500 TwinAir then your CO2 emissions are very likely to be greater than a typical bus journey. Any cuts in bus services will also conflict with Havant Borough Councils new travel plan campaign which is aimed at getting people to use their cars less.
Monday, January 17
Fuel costs
It looks like the sob sob stories about increasing fuel costs are hitting the news today.
BBC news had a 'story' about a chap working at a printers some 50 to 60 miles from his home and he allegedly decided to quit his job due to increasing fuel costs. What we don't know of course is whether he liked his job much and what other pressures there were in his life. Had he checked other travel options, or was his male ego married to his car?
Many people that worked freelance/self employed in the 80s often lived away from home and shared the costs of weekday accommodation with fellow contractors. Carpenters working on site, work away from home for months. This is common practice.
Of course the 'printer' could have rented his home out and bought a property nearer work, or even looked at the possibility of buying a smaller fuel efficient car!
But no, this is not what the media wants, especially the likes of the Daily Mail and even the BBC. For those sources, we need to be told that innovation is bad, personal vehicle ownership is our right and getting on our bikes is no longer a good thing.
What on earth would our ancestors make of our apathetic life styles?
The media complain about the health and safety culture, but at the same time want us to drive everywhere, increasing the risks of rickets and heart disease. In order to attract sales and advertising the media set out to confuse. Probably because they are themselves confused and incompetent.
BBC news had a 'story' about a chap working at a printers some 50 to 60 miles from his home and he allegedly decided to quit his job due to increasing fuel costs. What we don't know of course is whether he liked his job much and what other pressures there were in his life. Had he checked other travel options, or was his male ego married to his car?
Many people that worked freelance/self employed in the 80s often lived away from home and shared the costs of weekday accommodation with fellow contractors. Carpenters working on site, work away from home for months. This is common practice.
Of course the 'printer' could have rented his home out and bought a property nearer work, or even looked at the possibility of buying a smaller fuel efficient car!
But no, this is not what the media wants, especially the likes of the Daily Mail and even the BBC. For those sources, we need to be told that innovation is bad, personal vehicle ownership is our right and getting on our bikes is no longer a good thing.
What on earth would our ancestors make of our apathetic life styles?
The media complain about the health and safety culture, but at the same time want us to drive everywhere, increasing the risks of rickets and heart disease. In order to attract sales and advertising the media set out to confuse. Probably because they are themselves confused and incompetent.
Saturday, September 18
Park(ing) Day
It was international Park(ing) Day on Friday, something I haven't heard of before, where by people around the world take over metered parking spaces and make them into green parks, complete with turf and plants.
Here is a video:
I'm wondering if they put money in the meter?
I assume they do.
Visit the parking day web site.
Here is a video:
I'm wondering if they put money in the meter?
I assume they do.
Visit the parking day web site.
Tuesday, April 13
The Big Green Commuter Challenge 2010
This years Portsmouth City Council Big Green Commuter Challenge starts on 17th of May and finishes on the 23rd.
There are a lot of prizes to be won.
Organisations can win:
Commuter Challenge Shield
Trophies
Individuals can win:
iPOD
CycleWorld £150 voucher
FIRST, 1 month ticket (FirstWeek Hampshire)
Fitness First memberships
Gosport Ferry, 8 ten trip tickets to 1 person
Stagecoach, 1 month ticket (SouthHants Megarider)
Tuesday, February 26
No Car Day at Waterlooville?
Oh if only Waterlooville can follow Marlows example and give up cars in a big way. I refer to the Channel 4 show called 'The Woman Who Stops Traffic' which was broadcasted this evening at 9pm.
It was a joy to see the streets of Marlow empty of traffic and what seemed to be a commitment to change.
The solution in Waterlooville isn't to push cars into car parks on the outskirts of the town that pedestrians have to walk through to get into town, the solution is to get people to stop using their cars altogether, to walk and cycle. A 40% reduction in traffic (and a 40% reduction in green house gas car emissions) in Marlow was impressive, with no reduction in commerce, business etc. Plus the majority of the kids got to school without a car.
Finally everyone in Marlow was that little bit healthier to!
The solution in Waterlooville isn't to push cars into car parks on the outskirts of the town that pedestrians have to walk through to get into town, the solution is to get people to stop using their cars altogether, to walk and cycle. A 40% reduction in traffic (and a 40% reduction in green house gas car emissions) in Marlow was impressive, with no reduction in commerce, business etc. Plus the majority of the kids got to school without a car.
Finally everyone in Marlow was that little bit healthier to!
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