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Foe urges Government to stand firm on petrol prices
29 June 2000
Friends of the Earth today urged the Government to resist pressure for cuts in petrol prices.But FOE wants much more of the revenue raised from the fuel duty to be spent on alternatives to the car such as better trains, buses and cycling facilities.
Tony Bosworth, Transport Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:
“Many people may want cheaper motoring, but cutting fuel prices will only make the current congestion and pollution problems even worse.
“The Government must stand firm on its commitment to tackle global climate change,the biggest environmental threat facing the world. Increases in fuel taxes, along with incentives to buy more fuel efficient cars, are an essential part of this.
“But more of the money raised should be spent on effective alternatives to the car,such as better trains and buses. The income from a 1% rise in fuel prices would pay for a flat rate 70p bus fare nationwide, or would provide safe routes to 10% of the nation's schools.
“The attitude of the Tories is breathtaking. They introduced above-inflation petrol tax rises, so for them to now condemn what the current Government is doing is hypocrisy of the first order.”
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
