Rural Transport Links

Patrick Spencer, the Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, asked the Government what steps the Department of Transport is taking to improve transport links in rural areas. In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, acknowledged that the loss of thousands of vital bus services under the previous government has left too many rural areas with poor transport links. He stated that the Government will be introducing a new buses Bill to put power over local services back in the hands of local leaders across England, ensuring that the transport networks can meet the needs of the communities that rely on them, including in Suffolk and other rural areas. Mr. Spencer welcomed the news that the Government plans to deliver 1,200 UK-made zero-emission buses to help local authorities deliver on their transport ambitions and embrace zero-emissions transport technology. However, he asked the Secretary of State and her Department what consideration has been given to the much-needed expansion of electric vehicle charging networks in rural communities, specifically those in central Suffolk, to support the roll-out of the electric fleet. In response, Mr. Lightwood stated that the Government will be making an announcement soon on the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network.