Tell the Transport Secretary to make a Smarter Choice28 September 2010
The Department for Transport budget looks likely to be slashed in the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review this autumn.
This threatens much transport investment - both "good" schemes like public transport, and "bad" ones like road building.
Now is the time to make sure that the reduced spending goes on the right things. That means funding low-cost, high-value local transport schemes that will cut carbon instead of expensive, destructive road schemes.
A recent trial of Smarter Travel Choices schemes showed impressive benefits. These schemes boost things like cycling, walking and public transport use.
The trial
- cut car trips by 9%
- increased walking and cycling by at least 12%
- showed exceptional value for money under Government appraisal rules.
The Government must support Smarter Travel Choices
Local Councils are preparing their local transport plans to start next April. Many want to put Smarter Travel Choices in their plans but a lack of Government funding has hampered councils' ability to introduce them.
The Government has just announced a new Local Sustainable Transport Fund which would help Local Councils deliver these green travel schemes.
But they must back it with enough cash in this autumn's Comprehensive Spending Review.
Take action
Please tell Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond he must use the Comprehensive Spending Review to provide adequate Government funding to support these schemes.
Email Transport Secretary Philip Hammond
