Swansea Council is facing challenges in maintaining the Active Travel routes used by cyclists and pedestrians, despite it being their responsibility. Councillors were recently informed of the financial difficulties the council is encountering in keeping up with repairs on the county’s 91-mile network of paths. While local authorities bid for Welsh Government funding to construct Active Travel schemes, the issue of maintenance is often overlooked, leading to strains on council budgets. The guidance under the Active Travel Act emphasises the importance of considering maintenance during the design phase of routes, as upkeep costs must be covered by existing council funds. This revelation came as a surprise to some councillors during a recent committee meeting.
The council’s report highlighted that reactive maintenance of Active Travel routes, which includes addressing defects such as tree root damage and flooding, is currently being managed by highways and parks staff with limited resources. The financial burden of repairing damage on just one route was noted to potentially exceed the entire designated maintenance budget for highways. Additionally, the maintenance budget for parks was estimated to be £100,000 per year and increasing.
Certain factors such as tree roots, surface water flooding, overgrown vegetation, and fallen trees pose threats to cycle paths, necessitating regular inspections and upkeep to ensure user safety and convenience. The report indicated that only adopted routes are routinely maintained and inspected, while unadopted routes are set to be included in the maintenance schedule moving forward. Mapping issues and route adoption processes were also addressed in the report, with plans to resolve these deficiencies.
Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, responsible for investment and regeneration, acknowledged the importance of incorporating a maintenance budget when proposing new Active Travel routes. The council is set to apply for additional Active Travel funding in December to address ongoing maintenance challenges. While the financial constraints due to UK Government budget cuts were recognised, the council remains committed to improving Active Travel infrastructure to encourage more cyclists and pedestrians.
The suspension of an Active Travel project in Sketty, Uplands, and Walter Road, despite securing funding, highlighted the complex policy and priority changes affecting such schemes. Local feedback from businesses and residents also played a role in the decision-making process, although the council stated that the project is not permanently abandoned. Residents and cyclists have shared mixed opinions on the condition of Active Travel routes, with some acknowledging the council’s efforts in rectifying damages, while others express concerns about the deteriorating state of certain paths.
In conclusion, Swansea Council faces a challenging task in balancing the construction and maintenance of Active Travel routes to support the community’s health and environmental goals. The need for sustainable funding solutions and improved planning processes is evident to ensure the longevity and safety of the county’s Active Travel network. As the council navigates these issues, collaboration with stakeholders and continued investment in infrastructure will be essential to enhance the cycling and walking experience in Swansea.