Wales could face decades of delay in completing its active travel network unless local authorities are supported to work together regionally.
A new report, by the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, says that progress has been “painfully slow” and it calls on the Welsh Government to commit to long-term funding, stronger leadership, and a renewed focus on behaviour change and inclusivity.
The Welsh Government’s target is for 45% of journeys to be by sustainable modes by 2040, but the Committee warns this will not be achieved without a coordinated regional approach.
Planning across regions
The report highlights that many local authorities lack the capacity and expertise to deliver active travel effectively. It recommends a regional approach, shifting from individual local authorities to coordinated planning across regions, led by the Corporate Joint Committees, the Regional Transport Plans and Transport for Wales.
Transport for Wales (TfW) will have a central role in making a regional approach work, according to the Committee. Not only can TfW provide technical expertise, it can also ensure consistent design and integrate active travel with wider transport plans.
Behaviour change and inclusivity
Building routes alone won’t change habits. Achieving this will need an effective and meaningful national behaviour change programme to convince people to leave the car at home for everyday trips. It should be led by the Welsh Government, designed in partnership with stakeholders and delivery partners, particularly local communities, to maximise its impact.
Inclusivity is also central to success. Many existing routes remain inaccessible for disabled and older people, and the report calls for robust design standards and early, meaningful engagement with communities to ensure active travel works for everyone.
Chair of the Senedd’s Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, Mark Isherwood MS said:
“Active travel is essential for a healthier, more energy efficient Wales, but progress has been painfully slow. The Welsh Government must lead from the front and support local authorities by introducing a regional delivery model, with Transport for Wales playing a central role in providing expertise and coordination. This approach will improve efficiency and ensure consistent standards across Wales.
“We also need an impactful national behaviour change programme to encourage people to leave the car at home, and we must involve local voices at every stage of planning. Active travel must work for everyone, improving health, cutting emissions and making our communities better places to live.
“We note this year’s Annual Report by the Active Travel Board, published earlier this week, which set out a range of modest gains in active travel in Wales. We welcome these gains but as both our report found and as reflected in the Active Travel Board's report, the challenges ahead are significant, and we have both made recommendations on how these challenges can be met.”
