Ruth Kelly bores for Britain
I’ve just received an e-invitation to the Passenger Transport Conference 2008 (I know, I know) announcing that the keynote speaker will be Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly (that’s assuming there’s been no reshuffle by then).
As ever there’s a slightly cheesy photo of Ms Kelly and a ministerial quote. Now a smart minister - or advisor - realises this is a fantastic chance to get out an important message to a captive audience. It’s a free ad. You can tell your audience why your shared policy area matters and hint at some new and fresh angle from the Government (heaven knows they need a relaunch now). And there are exciting and important things to be said, I think. That’s why I’m on their mailing list...
Transport policy isn’t just trainspotting. Without making transport work, the Government’s housing vision can’t deliver, and the countryside will continue to decline; while the 21st century city is only as good as its transport. It’s a key ground for fighting climate change, it’s at the heart of making regeneration work; more than that, your attitidue to transport policy shows whether you think there is such a thing as society or not.
So a great opportunity for Ruth to sock it to us. Any hints about revelations on air expansion, biofuels, road pricing or the transport vision for ecotowns? Did she say that the transport industry has a unique challenge to harness new technology while operating 24/7? Or that difficult choices over use of road space are at the frontline of government/citizen relations? What about the impact of transport policy on the London elections? Or that as globalisation shrinks the world, transport must transform itself to keep up? Or that safe reliable public transport is a key feminist policy? Did she, in short, say anything likely to entice people to Manchester in November?
Well, no. “I am determined to adopt a stronger passenger and user focus in our policies. We must increase our understanding of the needs of passengers. Our policies must improve every part of their travel experience, from leaving their front door to arriving safely at their final destination. If we are to achieve that, we must understand the full end to end journey. We must ensure that continued investment in the country’s networks, together with our other policies, underpins a nationwide transport system that continues to support the UK’s economic prosperity. ”
That’s it Ruth. Leave ‘em wanting less... If she hasn’t put you off, conference details are here.
