Green roads revolution ‘will risk lives’: Paramedics warn extra cycle lanes, road closures and one-way systems will cause traffic chaos and longer ambulance response times
- College of Paramedics has expressed concern over plans to transform UK roads
- Grant Shapps’ green transport revolution could delay ambulance response times
- Environmentally friendly plans involve enlarged bike lanes, wider pavements
The Transport Secretary’s green roads revolution could increase 999 emergency response times, the College of Paramedics has warned.
New one-way systems, road closures and bicycle lanes could put lives at risk as ambulances struggle to reach those in need of urgent medical attention, the college said.
Grant Shapps has pledged to create a ‘new era for cycling and walking’ by transforming roads as he appeals to local councils to ‘give more space to cyclists and pedestrians’.
Plans to reform the UK’s roads to make them greener could increase 999 emergency response times, the College of Paramedics has warned (File image)
Paramedic Richard Webber, who is a spokesperson for the college, warned that the new measures shouldn’t be ‘rushed in without proper consideration’.
Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, he said: ‘Previous traffic calming measures have caused delays for emergency vehicles.
‘So now we are particularly concerned new measures are being rushed in without proper consideration and there will be a risk of further delays for ambulances and other emergency responders.
‘For someone not breathing or having a heart attack, stroke or allergic reaction, this risks causing significant harm.’
Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, and cycle and bus-only corridors are part of the £250 million scheme. Above, cyclists are pictured on widened bike lanes in Chelsea
He added that the College of Paramedics is urging councils to give ‘proper consideration’ to access for emergency vehicles, to ensure they would not be delayed in reaching critically ill patients.
Plans launched by Grant Shapps in May are aimed at boosting greener methods of transport across the country.
Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, and cycle and bus-only corridors are part of the £250 million scheme.