Getting around rural communities can be a real challenge for many people – especially those with mobility issues. For that reason, it’s brilliant news that West Sussex County Council have expanded their Book-a-Bus
service to some of the most isolated areas in West Sussex.
Enabled by £17.4 million of UK Government funding, the expansion now covers the area between Chichester, Racton, Harting and Midhurst, with other rural areas in our community also covered by older routes. A slot can be booked on the day or up to 24 hours before your journey via the Ride Pingo app or by calling 01243 858854.
Ever sat in congestion only to find out that roadworks are not being carried out – or waited for the promised end date of roadworks only to see them over-run? Drivers shouldn’t have to put up with roadworks for any longer than is necessary, so I was pleased that this week the government announced plans to do more to guarantee that utility companies minimise disruption by carrying out roadworks as quickly as possible.
They should also leave roads in better condition than they found them, which is too often not the case at the moment. The new measures include massively increased fines on firms that breach conditions and new fines for works that overrun into weekends and bank holidays. This could generate up to an extra £100 million to improve local roads.
Andrew Griffith is the Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs
Contact details: Andrew Griffith MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Email: Andrew.griffith.mp@parliament.uk Website: www.andrewgriffith.uk