Mobility is important for everyone, so that people can continue to reach and meet each other.
With the Provincial Council elections approaching, advisers, local politicians and administrators are all over the topic of mobility. It is now easy to score in understandable language with voters, but what remains after that is often disappointing because other themes, which are often more difficult for voters, are given priority. And yet, delving into the programs of political parties is more important than ever.
Not so long ago we wrote about it voting booth where we can determine on March 15 what can happen with our mobility in our own region. We believe that good accessibility of work and facilities such as care, education, cultural institutions and sports clubs is of great importance for the quality of life. When determining your choice, our advice is not to be guided by national politics. After all, it is not about a bus line being canceled. That is what provincial councils do.
Developing a long-term vision for good and affordable public transport and good accessibility and facilities is a job for the people's representatives of the province.
The Provincial Council therefore play an important role in decision-making on issues that affect the province and its inhabitants, such as mobility, spatial planning, the economy and the environment. Elections for the Provincial Council take place once every four years and will be organized on March 15, 2023. During the Provincial Council, representatives are elected who make important decisions about the future of the province in which they were elected. Every vote is important for determining a new opportunity to work on better accessibility and quality of life in the region.
Investments
In most provinces people consciously invest in travel behavior with cleaner means of transport, aided by smart systems. Road safety always comes first and it is more attractive to opt for cycling and public transport, and investing in measures that reduce CO2 emissions from traffic are the order of the day.
To keep the provincial roads, parallel roads and cycle paths safe and comfortable, the province regularly carries out minor and major maintenance and reconstructions where necessary. The province determines whether cities and villages can expand and where industrial estates and office parks may be built. The Spatial Planning Act determines where roads, railways, shipping connections, industrial areas, agricultural and nature areas and recreational facilities will be located.
For example, everyone has an opinion about which party is the best for our mobility on 15 March. Whether by road,
rail, water or by bus or bicycle, the provincial government must want to invest in all forms of
mobility and draw up an integrated mobility vision. In the vision on mobility, attention must be paid to goods flows, passenger transport, accessibility, innovation and future developments related to the ever-changing economy.
what does the department do?
The deputies are about the long-term vision of the province. This also defines the policy in the field of mobility. Based on this, concrete plans for infrastructure, such as roads, cycle paths and public transport, can be drawn up. The provincial councils are responsible for the management and maintenance of provincial roads and waterways. This includes daily maintenance, but also renovations and major reconstructions. In addition, the Provincial Council is responsible for promoting road safety in the province. This can be done, for example, by constructing roundabouts, placing traffic lights or improving visibility on roads.
The Provincial Council is also responsible for public transport in the province. For example, they determine the timetable and determine which carrier is allowed to provide public transport. They can also make decisions about the fares and the quality of public transport. And perhaps also important, the Provincial Council can also make policy to promote cycling in the province. This can be done, for example, by constructing new cycle paths or improving existing cycle routes.
In short, the Provincial Council and the deputies you will elect on March 15, 2023 have an important role in planning, managing and improving mobility in the province. Study the programs regarding mobility and do not let national politics play a role in your decision.
