86% of residents use a car as Graham launches drive to make transport work better
Early results from Graham’s transport survey show the car remains central to daily life across Beverley and Holderness, reinforcing calls for better roads, lower motoring costs and transport that works for everyone.
More than 60 residents have already taken part in Graham Stuart’s transport survey, with 86% saying they use a car or van.
The early findings also show that 63% use local buses, 47% regularly walk, 31% use national rail services, 28% use local trains and 25% cycle, highlighting that people in Beverley and Holderness rely on a mix of transport to get around.
Graham says the results underline a simple reality of life in a largely rural constituency.
For many people, the car is not a luxury. It is how they get to work, take children to school, attend hospital appointments, visit family and access shops and services.
Residents responding to the survey have also called for more reliable buses, better connections between villages, Beverley and Hull, roads that are repaired properly rather than patched repeatedly, and continued support for rail links including Hull Trains and York to Hull rail via Beverley.
The survey builds on Graham’s long-running work on transport. Earlier this year, after campaigning against the increase in the bus fare cap from £2 to £3, Graham welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s intervention restoring the £2 cap. He has also continued to campaign for York to Hull rail via Beverley, protect Hull Trains, support rural motorists and push for better roads.
Earlier this summer, Graham also met the Mayor’s new Director of Transport before writing to Mayor Luke Campbell setting out the transport priorities residents have raised with him.
In September, Graham will publish the full survey findings and present them to Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, transport operators and Government ministers to help shape future transport policy.
Graham said:
“These early results tell us something important.
“In Beverley and Holderness, the car remains essential. For most people, driving isn’t optional. It’s how they get to work, take the children to school, get to hospital appointments and simply get on with everyday life.
“That means we need roads that are properly maintained, potholes repaired quickly and motoring kept affordable. Families who rely on their car shouldn’t be hit by unnecessary costs.
“But people also use buses, trains, walking and cycling. They don’t care who is responsible or which mode of transport politicians happen to prefer. They care whether transport works.
“My job is to bring together everyone responsible, whether that’s the Government, the Mayor, East Riding Council or transport operators, and make sure local voices are heard.
“The more people who complete the survey, the stronger the case I can make for the improvements our area needs. If you haven’t already taken part, I’d encourage you to spend a few minutes sharing your views.”
