Boosting Rural Transport

Neil recognises the real need for improvements in transport to the South West and rural transport.

The economy of the South West of England is bigger than Merseyside, Tyne and Wear, South Wales or Leeds. But it is only served by one main rail ink and one main road link. This causes congestion, delays and stifles economy and social benefits in the South West.

Over 100,000 people in north Cornwall and mid Devon do not have access to the rail network. 1 in 5 people in Devon do not have a car. That’s why it’s so important that public transport in Devon gets the investment it needs so every family has the opportunity to get from A to B.

Roads

Neil has supported cuts to fuel duty, campaigned for Devon to receive the largest allocation of money for fixing potholes, and has sought investment to improve Devon’s road infrastructure.

Since 2010, Neil has driven the campaign to improve the A30/A303. Neil also supports the upgrading of the A358 to ease congestion from the M5. 

As it stands, the busy M5 is an arterial road and the main strategic route both in and out of the South West. The West Country is dependent on this road for tourism and business movement. Businesses in Devon are very vulnerable to disruption and congestion on this road, especially during the tourism season. Currently, the A303/A30/A358 is one of the most congested roads in the south-west, and in the summer months road usage increases by up to 50%.

Not only will upgrades to the A303/A30/A358 alleviate congestion on the M5 and provide a second major route to the South West, it will kick start seven new construction projects in the South West, creating an estimated 1,300 construction jobs.

Neil has led a number of Parliamentary debates on Road Routes to the South West. You can read one of Neil’s speeches and the full debate at this link.

Better Commuter Services

Neil has also been campaigning to improve the service and frequency of trains in Devon. Neil has met with representatives from South West Rail to discuss an additional 08:00 service from Axminster to Exeter, stopping at both Feniton and Honiton.

Neil is also working with Mid Devon District Council to make the economic case for a new railway station for commuter services running from Bristol to Exeter to stop off at Cullompton.

Neil has been in contact with Network Rail, regarding additional early morning train services between Axminster and Exeter, and of the feasibility of building another passing loop between Whimple and Broadclyst. Currently there are no trains arriving in Exeter between 8:13 and 9:37.  This is inconvenient for the majority of working people who start at 9am.

More broadly Neil works with Devon County Council and East Devon District Council and Mid Devon District Council in securing a resilient transport network for Devon that fulfils the needs of local residents whilst also making it easier for businesses and visitors to access Devon.

Backing the Devon Metro and Reopening Cullompton Station

As co-chair of the Devon and Somerset Metro Group, Neil strongly supports the effort to extend the Devon Metro. He wants to see the opening of a new station at Cullompton, with stopping services to Exeter and Taunton.

Neil greatly welcomes the £5 million of Levelling Up development funding provided by the Government in February 2022, which will refine the details and business case for rebuilding Cullompton railway station.

The extension of the Devon Metro is crucial for unlocking potential growth across Devon: creating new opportunities for local businesses and providing an invaluable route for commuters and students.

It will also help our efforts to protect the environment, easing congestion along the M5 corridor and supporting sustainable travel.

You can find out more about the progress of the project here