Fundamental changes are needed in the Government's transport policy in response to the report Transport and the Environment, published today by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, said Friends of the Earth [1].

Fiona Weir, Friends of the Earth's Atmosphere Campaigner, said:

"This report is extremely good news. It shows that traffic growth can be controlled and presents a credible package of measures to meet people's needs while protecting the planet".

Friends of the Earth:

n welcomes the Commission's call for targets to be set to improve air quality and increase the share of journeys made by public transport and cycling [14.7, 14.9, 14.35-36, 14.71, 14.85]; n supports the Commission's recommendation for a sustained rise in fuel duties and calls for much of the money raised to be invested in public transport [14.40]; n backs the Commission's call for the halving of spending on trunk roads and for increased investment in public transport [14.62, 14.70]; n confirms the accuracy of the Commission's assessment of the effects of spiralling traffic growth [14.4].

Fiona Weir concluded:

"The Commission comprises some of the best brains in Britain. Transport Secretary, Dr Brian Mawhinney must fundamentally rethink the Government's transport policy in the light of its conclusions. It is time for a total change of direction".

ENDS

CONTACT: FIONA WEIR 081 341 0563

PAGE 2 FRIENDS OF THE EARTH

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's report Transport and the Environment was published this morning.

CONTACT: FIONA WEIR 081 341 0563