Elections

Huntingdonshire District Council elections, May 2022: Buckden

Summary: Elections to Huntingdonshire District Council, May 2022
Polling date: Thursday 5th May 2022
Ward:
Candidates
(by surname):
  • Sam COLLINS  (Conservative Party)
  • Martin HASSALL  (Liberal Democrat)

Questions for Buckden ward candidates (6 questions)

Jump to question:  1   2   3   4   5   6 

# Question 1

The LCWIP identifies a route between Buckden, Brampton and Hinchingbrooke and Huntingdon. How can this route be brought forward quickly to enable more sustainable travel to Hinchingbrooke School?

Sam COLLINS
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Martin HASSALL
(Liberal Democrat)

I was one of the Buckden Parish Councillors who contributed to the LCWIP so I understand how vital this route is to Buckden residents - in particular the ability of our children to safely cycle to school is of great importance. We have been waiting too long for this infrastructure.

If elected, I will focus a large portion of my attention on removing the barriers to it's completion. In addition, I have asked John Morris (former HDC Councillor for Brampton and Hunts Walking and Cycling Group) to maintain a close oversight on the project and to use his expertise in active travel to resolve any final issues to completion.

# Question 2

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (now the Vision Zero Partnership) aimed to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to cyclists by 40% between 2015 and 2020, but it actually rose 2% during that time. Too many people are being hurt on our roads.

What do you think would most improve safety for people walking, cycling, using mobility aids and riding horses on the roads in your area? Which routes and junctions need the most urgent improvement?

Sam COLLINS
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Martin HASSALL
(Liberal Democrat)

I was part of the Parish Council that introduced speed awareness cameras on Mill Road and Perry Road. Now that they have been in place for some time the results need to be analysed and if a benefit is noticed we can look at the expansion to other areas of the village. It has been noted that speed has been increasing on Lucks Lane / Mayfield and these roads may benefit from more control.

I would say that the the biggest obstacle for people walking and using mobility aids in Buckden are the quality of the pavements. In some areas of the village e.g. Springfield Close, Mill Road, Silver Street, etc. they are in a terrible state of repair. Addressing such issues by the County would be a key objective should I get elected.

Similarly, fixing pot holes in the roads would encourage more cycling and horse riding. Again I would lobby the County for timely repair of pot holes that do not reappear in 12 months time as currently is the case - I would say that the Glebe Lane and Manor Gardens have some of the worse pot holes in the village.

# Question 3

Cambridgeshire County Council’s draft Active Travel Strategy says that our region’s transport network must put public health at its core. It points out that almost a third of 10 and 11 year olds in Cambridgeshire are obese and rates of cycling and walking are lowest among the over 40s.

What role do you think cycling can play in improving local residents’ health and wellbeing? What specific changes are needed to help the youngest and oldest residents in your area choose active modes, including walking, for more journeys?

Sam COLLINS
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Martin HASSALL
(Liberal Democrat)

Cycling is a great form of exercise, particularly for raising your heart rate and losing calories. Hence, great for reducing weight and increasing fitness. Electric bikes can offer allow older cyclists to continue to cycling for much longer and younger cyclist to increase their range of travel. Since buying an electric bike I regularly ride from Buckden to and around Grafham Water.

Specifically, completion of the Buckden cycleway to Hinchingbrooke School and Hospital is likely to be a game changer in terms of active travel and is may help to reduce obesity and weight challenges in our school age children. Providing more accessible footpaths and cycleways both for leisure and work will help all generations. Good quality pavements are essential for all and many areas of Buckden don't meet this standard.

# Question 4

In June 2021, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority agreed to act on the Independent Commission on Climate’s recommendation to reduce car miles driven in the region by 15% by 2030.

Suggested actions needed to achieve this goal include installing safe cycle routes from new developments, working with employers to increase uptake in sustainable options for commuting, improving existing cycle infrastructure and encouraging the use of e-bikes. What changes do you think are needed to help people in your area reduce car mileage?

Sam COLLINS
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Martin HASSALL
(Liberal Democrat)

I think that the relevant authorities need to watch the exponential cost of fuel for cars and realise that car miles can be reduced if viable alternatives are provided. New, safe and expanded cycleways, 'Ting' buses (Ting seems to be great, but needs to operate more frequently and be both early and late in the day) and employer sponsorship of e-bikes (and perhaps e-scooters?) are required.

# Question 5

National charity Cycling UK's manifesto for English elections includes the following asks:

1: Create safe space for cycling: put the delivery of a connected network of routes at the heart of transport and development plans;

2: Improve delivery: ensure schemes meet the government’s cycle design standards laid out in LTN 1/20 and the Gear Change policy;

3: Make neighbourhoods more attractive for cycling & people: for example, by making 20mph the default for residential and shopping streets, and increasing secure cycle parking;

4: Enable rural & urban communities to cycle: integrate cycling and walking with public transport, make cycle training available for all and improve access to local green space.

Will you support this manifesto? What policies would you champion in your area to increase levels of walking and cycling?

Sam COLLINS
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Martin HASSALL
(Liberal Democrat)

I broadly support the above manifesto. I have already mentioned, Ting Buses, e-bikes, new cycleways, leisure routes for walking and cycling, pavement and pot hole repairs as some of the policies that I would champion.

# Question 6

What is your personal experience of walking and cycling in your area? What barriers do you think local people face that may prevent them from choosing active travel for everyday journeys?

Sam COLLINS
(Conservative Party)
The candidate has not responded to the survey.
Martin HASSALL
(Liberal Democrat)

A decent bus service that works 7 days a week and at times when people want to actually use it e.g. commuters cannot rely on a bus service that can take them from Buckden to Huntingdon or St Neots in time to get to London by 9:00am - it's a crazy situation where everyone drives and the car parks are often full!

Cycle ways are only as good as their weakest link - too often the cycle path leads you into danger e.g. the Offord to Godmanchester Road. Cycle ways need to be planned and today they are not. This needs to change because it prevents people from choosing active travel for everyday journeys. It also now makes economic sense to make these changes.

Camcycle is a non-partisan body. All candidates are given an equal opportunity to submit their views. Information published by Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign), The Bike Depot, 140 Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0DL.