BCP councillors, be brave and seize this once in a lifetime opportunity.

We have in recent weeks seen the dreadful toll of coronavirus particularly affecting those who are obese and also suffer from related illnesses such as diabetes. Public Health England estimated 65 per cent of adults and 25 per cent of children are obese. This must be remedied.

Part of the solution lies in the Statutory Guidance published on May 9 as part of the government’s Covid-19 response on reallocating road space. These are urgent and should be taken as soon as possible but within weeks so as to change travel habits before the economy and schools restart.

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Amongst the measures that authorities should be looking at are improved cycle lanes with physical separation, widening footways to allow social distancing, encouraging “school streets” (areas around schools where cars are restricted at pick-up and drop-off times, during term-time).

The introduction of a 20mph speed limit in residential streets and others is suggested as contributing to encouraging more walking and cycling.

Various other measures include cycle and pedestrian zones with motor traffic restricted at certain times or at all times.

A final suggestion is for “whole route” approaches with a corridor for buses, cycles and access-only on key routes into town centres.

So, members of BCP Council, what’s it to be? A breath of fresh air approach or some tinkering at the edges? Over to you.

MICHAEL CONSTANTINE

Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth