Whether we travel regularly by bike, car, tram or train, I’m sure we can all agree that having good transport links are vital for getting to work, shops, medical appointments or places of study, amongst other places.
You may have seen recently the proposals withdraw the 002 Diamond Bus Service, which travels through Halesowen on its journey from Weoley Castle to Merry Hill. I supported the petition that was launched by local Councillor Stuart Henley to encourage Diamond Bus and Transport for West Midlands to rethink their decision, and I’m pleased that following pressure from ourselves and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, the current services from Monday-Saturday will now be maintained.
The Midlands Metro is also being extended, and I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment in the budget to ensure that work is completed. Whilst I appreciate that the works have caused disruption for those who travel in and around Dudley regularly, completing the extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill will bring a boost to the local economy.
And of course progress on HS2 is well underway, which under Phase One will connect the West Midlands to London, and then in Phase Two will see our region connect to Crewe. Whilst I know the delays to the project have raised eyebrows amongst many, and there is a need to bring the costs of the project under control, getting HS2 completed will not only deliver economic benefits, but increases capacity, cuts journey times and brings our towns and cities closer together.
For many people however, travelling by car is essential, and I know that many motorists have been concerned over fuel prices amongst the other cost of living pressures. I was therefore pleased to see in the budget that fuel duty will be maintained at its current level for the next year, saving the average driver around £100.
Fighting for better transport links was a key part of my six-point plan that I was re-elected on, and I will continue to ensure that, in whatever form of transport works best, local people can get to where they need to be as safely and as speedily as possible.
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 13th April 2023.
