Issue 150

The Recreation Ground, next to Swansea University is running out of space.

Students speak out

04th December 2006

Peter May, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Swansea West, has had a big response from students who have contacted him by email after he appealed for Swansea students to offer their opinions regarding car travel in Swansea.

Peter May said that many students agreed with him that more needed to be done to protect the environment. He had focused on the idea of car sharing when speaking to Waterfront, because whilst helping the environment, it is also cheap, a prime motive for students in particular. Peter May's responses suggested that students strongly agreed with the idea of car sharing, particularly for journeys between the Student Village and the University, although many recognized that this may not be the best alternative for everyone due to varying student timetables. Students were also concerned that although they may be able to get a lift to the University, there would be no guarantee of getting back using a car sharing system because some people have longer days than others.

Peter May also suggested the idea of a local website, set up purely for the Student Village and the University, which would enable communication to take place through the wireless internet system within the Student Village. He expressed concerns that, "there are too many cars on the road and the recreation ground used for parking is growing and there are only so many spaces."

Peter May mentioned that having potential multi-storey car parks isn't the answer as, "it is not a solution as it merely puts the problem at bay." He hoped the strong suggestions given by the students would develop the idea of lift sharing for those that can. He said he believed it was a good start that would allow for expansion and that it was, "an initial way forward."

Eleni Cashell