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Green test for prescott - what must be in the transport white paper
20 July 1998
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been set “four key green tests” for his much delayed Transport White Paper, which is finally expected to be published today. The tests,set by Friends of the Earth, are:
. Will the White Paper set targets for road traffic reduction? - Without clear targets, it will be impossible to tell whether the White Paper's policies will succeed in cutting congestion and pollution.
. Will the White paper increase investment in alternatives to the car? - Without better alternatives many people will refuse to cut their car use.
. Will the White Paper set tough controls on new car-based development? - The Government must integrate its transport and planning policies to reduce dependence on the car
. Will the White Paper lead to cuts in trunk and local road-building? - Road-building will only make matters worse by encouraging people to drive.
Roger Higman, Friends of the Earth's Senior Transport Campaigner said:
“If Mr Prescott's long-awaited White Paper is to be a success, it must include targets for reducing the amount of traffic on Britain's roads, and set out a clear strategy for helping people to walk, cycle and use public transport more. And the Government must axe outdated road plans, such as widening of the M1, M6 and M25. They will only ruin the White Paper's good intentions by encouraging more people to drive.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] A detailed briefing on the likely contents of the White Paper and Friends of the Earth's four tests of its success is attached.
[2] Friends of the Earth can provide local interviewees in all regions of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Contact Tony Bosworth or Press Office for details.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
