We contacted all of the candidates vying for your vote to be the next MP for the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency, asking each of them the same questions. We've taken their responses exactly as they were sent to us - so you know where each of the candidates stands to help you decide who to vote for.

Here are their responses to the question:

What steps will you take to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion in our towns? How will you ensure that infrastructure development meets the needs of our growing population?

Jon Cousins (Green Party):

I have been a Glastonbury Town Councillor since 2011, and a District Councillor for four years, and in that time, I am the only Councillor I have seen on a bus! I can't help but think that if Somerset Councillors had to rely on public transport only to get around the county, we would have the best bus and rail services you can imagine! With better public transport, more people will use it, and thus there will be less vehicle journeys; reducing traffic congestion. As the Green MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, I will push for Somerset Council to take control – and to properly fund – our bus services, to increase and expand the services in our towns and larger villages, and ensure that there is a regular bus service to every village and rural community.

I will also push, tirelessly, for the (re)opening of a railway station at Langport and/or Somerton (preferably both) – and, pledge to get to the bottom of why there is no bus service between Glastonbury and Castle Cary railway station! Finally, as you have asked about traffic congestion, HGVs, tankers, quarry lorries, and other large vehicles all contribute to one of the ongoing concerns of many Glastonbury residents; a concern that I would do everything in my power to sort out – once and for all – as Glastonbury's MP.

I have been involved with the lighten the load A361 campaign since it's inception ten years ago! And I share the frustrations of all those who live along the A361 'freight route' as it passes through our town on completely inappropriate roads! The solution is simple, and just requires the political will to remove the road's freight route status from the junction of the A361/A37 near Cannard's Grave in Shepton to the B&Q Roundabout in Glastonbury. I'd top that off with a 7.5t weight limit (except for access by local businesses, such as Sparks) for good measure. As your MP – I have the political will. The cost? A couple of new 7.5t weight limit signs – one at the junction of the A361/A37 near Cannard's Grave; one at the B&Q Roundabout. As your MP – I'd even pay for the signs!

Of course, the Quarries won't like it… but why should the quality of life (and the homes) of the Glastonbury residents on Chilkwell Street, Bere Lane, Fisher's Hill, and Street Road be wrecked to supplement the profits of a few private businesses? As your MP – I'd put Glastonbury residents first!

Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrats):

Everyone should have convenient, affordable options to get around. A safe, reliable transport system is vital for the economic prosperity of our area and improving transport is essential to combat climate change and air pollution. Here in Somerset, I've campaigned tirelessly to save vital local bus routes and spoken in Parliament repeatedly about the need for a new train station for the Levels. I presented the Public Transport (Rural Areas) Bill, which would guarantee minimum levels of public transport to areas of employment, education and health, and just before Parliament was dissolved, I presented a petition from constituents calling for urgent help to deliver a new train station in the Somerton / Langport area.

My party will freeze rail fares and simplify ticketing on public transport to ensure regular users are paying fair and affordable prices. We'll boost bus services by giving local authorities more powers to franchise services and simplifying funding, so that bus routes can be restored or new routes added, especially in rural areas. We'll transform how people travel by creating new cycling and walking networks with a new nationwide active travel strategy. We'll give more of the roads budget to local councils to maintain existing roads, pavements and cycleways, including repairing potholes. We'll make it cheaper and easier for drivers to switch to electric vehicles by rapidly rolling out far more charging points, reintroducing the plug-in car grant, and restoring the requirement that every new car and small van sold from 2030 is zero-emission.

Hal Hooberman (Labour):

In areas like ours, good public transport is a necessity. For us, for our environment, and the economy. Public buses drove 300 million miles less in 2023 than they did in 2010. The Conservatives have sucked the life out of public transport - leaving people in Glastonbury, Street, and more rural parts of our constituency cut adrift from friends, family, and society. I will support Labour's plans to reform the broken system through new powers for local leaders to franchise local bus services and lifting the ban on municipal, public ownership. This will give local communities in England control over routes and schedules. We are very lucky to have a number of train stations in our constituency - but neither serves Glastonbury or Street particularly well. I will fight to finally get Somerton/Langport train station opened. Private rail companies have been taking us all for a ride - Labour will bring our railways back into public ownership and make sure it serves us, not some shareholders.

Tom Carter (Reform UK):

No response received

Faye Purbrick (Conservative)

No response received