Government’s lack of strategic planning blamed for poor transport options across the UK
26 January 2010
Environmental groups today issued a manifesto [1] which calls on the next Government to ensure that local, regional and national transport plans are integrated effectively to improve transport and ensure cost-effectiveness. The manifesto sets out proposals which would radically improve transport while keeping spending within existing budgets [2]. It draws on successful initiatives across the country which, if rolled out nationally, would: Help create jobs and tackle social exclusion Encourage people out of their cars and back onto safe and friendly streets Create more choices for how people get around every day
Stephen Joseph, executive director of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Politicians tend to focus on the big transport schemes but this manifesto is about practical and affordable changes that can be made to improve everyday transport, giving people more choice in how they get about and making alternatives to cars easier and cheaper to use.”
Neil Sinden, policy and campaigns director at Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “The manifesto shows that we can develop alternatives to car dependency in the countryside. With optimism and long-term vision, we can show the pessimists that transport can be improved in rural and urban areas.”
Kevin Mayne, chief executive of CTC, said: “Cycling is good for public health, for our communities, the environment and our wallets – all in all the biggest benefits for the least cost of any form of transport. To get more people cycling, however, we need to tackle the major deterrents to cycling: too much traffic travelling too fast, poorly designed roads and junctions, and lorries. Government, local authorities, employers and schools all have to play their part to give people the encouragement and opportunities to give cycling a go.”
Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said “Transport accounts for a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions – action to reduce this must be an urgent Government priority no matter who wins the general election. All political parties must set out plans to cut carbon from transport in their election manifestos. We can’t wait for cleaner cars and planes to be developed – we need bold action now to improve public transport and make walking and cycling more attractive options.”
Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, said: “Active travel such as walking plays a strong role in providing the answer to reducing carbon emissions, improving health, reducing congestion, reconnecting people to local communities and improving quality of life. As we launch this manifesto we urge all parties to set out their vision to create safe, attractive, enjoyable streets where people want to walk.”
Notes for Editors
[1] Campaign for Better Transport, Campaign to Protect Rural England, CTC – the national cyclists’ organisation, Friends of the Earth and Living Streets today launched Improving Everyday Transport. The manifesto is issued at the end of a series of speeches sponsored by Campaign for Better Transport from transport spokespeople from the three main parties. The series concludes today with Liberal Democrat spokesperson Norman Baker, MP.
[2] Savings from existing transport budgets can be made and there are opportunities to raise revenue fairly. For example, cancelling just one damaging and ineffective road scheme – upgrading 21 miles of the A14 – could save £1.3 billion which could be spent on improving cycling and walking conditions in cities and towns across the UK. If the tax subsidy to domestic aviation fuel was removed, the Government could raise £460 million which could fund reductions in train fares allowing more people to choose the greener travel option.
