Cllr Ian Chandler’s monthly column for The New Times – Llantilio Crossenny’s parish magazine
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus!
This month I’d like to talk about how we get around our neighbourhoods and to and from our nearby towns.
Without any scheduled buses in our area, those unable to drive or who cannot afford to run a car face real barriers in accessing public services and risk social isolation. Children are dependent on parents to drive them places, the elderly have to rely on neighbours or taxis, and our carbon footprint is high because of all the car journeys.
But there is now an alternative. The Grass Routes transport scheme is a responsive flexible bus service that makes trips on request. It operates low floor, fully accessible vehicles with volunteer drivers. The scheme is operated by Monmouthshire Council on a membership basis (a one off payment of £5 per household of up to four members) and is open to all members of the community. It costs £3.00 for a single journey and £5.00 for a return journey made on the same day, with a 50% discount for under 16’s and concessionary passes are accepted.
Most recent users are in the south of the county and there has been very little take up so far in our area – it seems to be a well-kept secret! It can take some time to get through to the booking line (I’m pushing for a better system) but don’t let that put you off. The more users we have in our area, the better the service will be. More details at https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/buses-trains/grass-routes-community-transport/
Of course, buses are not the only alternative to cars. Many residents in our area would like to walk, cycle or ride horses – to visit neighbours, to get to places or just to enjoy our stunning countryside. But many feel that our roads are not safe enough to venture out because of speeding traffic.
I get lots of calls from residents either asking for speed limits to be reduced in their areas, or for better enforcement of existing speed limits. The council’s focus at the moment is rolling out the 20mph limits in built-up areas, but when that is complete later this year we could be pushing for more 30mph and 40mph limits instead of the 60mph limits in force along most of our country lanes. What do you think?
Best wishes,
Ian
Tel: 01291 448270
Email: ianchandler@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Facebook: ianchandlergreen
Twitter: Ian_Chandler