Archived press release

TRAFFIC REDUCTION LAW GETS MPs APPROVAL

24 January 1997

A law to force local authorities to reduce traffic in their areas took a major leap forward today, when it passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Road Traffic Reduction Bill [1] - which has been introduced as a Private Members Bill by Liberal Democrat MP Don Foster - has strong support from the Government and Labour Front bench, and now passes to the Committee Stage [2].

The Road Traffic Reduction Bill - drafted and promoted by Friends of the Earth, the Green Party and Plaid Cymru [3] - requires local authorities to draw up plans to reduce traffic in their areas.

Don Foster said:
"This is welcome progress. The Bill has cleared a major hurdle, and can now move forward with a significantly increased chance of becoming law before the General Election. It is clear that MPs of all parties now acknowledge the need to direct resources to tackle the problems of excessive road traffic rather than using them to merely accommodate it. If enacted this Bill will save lives, save the nation billions of pounds and help clean up our environment."

Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth said:
"I am delighted that our vitally important Bill has passed its Second Reading,and I'm increasingly optimistic that it will soon be on the Statute book. This Bill will be a legislative landmark in environmental and transport policy."

David Taylor, Green Party Principal speaker said:
"We welcome the passing of the Road Traffic Reduction Bill by the House of Commons. The Government has conceded the principle of traffic reduction. This Bill is a small but significant step in the right direction towards a sustainable transport policy. It can help us to avoid the traffic chaos that is forecast to occur if the policies of the last few decades are continued into the future"

Cynog Dafis of Plaid Cymru said:
"I am delighted at this important victory. This is an historic turning point in transport and environment policy because it accepts that less traffic can improve peoples lives. This victory is a tribute to the campaigners and to cross party co-operation."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1]The Road Traffic Reduction Bill will oblige local authorities, within one year of the Bill becoming law, to set targets for reducing traffic or projected traffic growth (based on 1990 levels) by the years 2005 and 2010, and draw up plans for how this will be achieved. The Bill is supported by over 220 members of Parliament from all political persuasions, 129 local authorities and over 500 local groups and associations.

Local plans could include measures such as encouraging and providing facilities for walking and cycling, more and improved public transport and restricted traffic zones.

[2] The RTRB went through its Second Reading without a vote. It now passes to the Committee Stage.

[3]The Road Traffic Reduction Bill was drafted by FOE, the Green party and Plaid Cymru. Don Foster MP agreed to put the Bill before the House of Commons after being drawn seventh in the Private Members' Bill ballot in November 1996.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust