Archived press release

New report shows 130,000 jobs could be created by traffic reduction bill

21 May 1997

A new report, published today, shows that up to 130,000 new jobs could be created by reducing traffic levels and boosting the use of trains, buses and bikes as required by the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Bill [1]. These new jobs far exceed those likely to be lost in the vehicle repair and maintenance industries, leading to a likely net gain of almost 90,000 jobs by 2010 should the Bill be passed [2].

Furthermore, if the new transport policies are accompanied by measures to promote the introduction of cleaner, more efficient cars and the greater use of car leasing rather than car ownership, the net number of jobs created would be even higher [3].

Friends of the Earth's Transport Campaigner, Simon Festing said:

"This research shows that policies to promote public transport and cycling would create more jobs than our current car-based transport policy. It provides yet another reason for MPs to support the new Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Bill."

Friends of the Earth is publishing the new report entitled, "Less Traffic, More Jobs" today as part of its campaign to persuade MPs to introduce and pass the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Bill, following tomorrow's Private Members' Bill ballot [4].

Ron Bailey, Parliamentary Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

"Earlier this year, we successfully persuaded Parliament to pass the Road Traffic Reduction Act, which requires local councils to plan to reduce traffic. Our new Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Bill will help Labour fulfil its promise of an integrated transport policy by requiring the Secretary of State to draw up and implement a national traffic reduction plan"

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] "Less Traffic, More Jobs: the Direct Employment Impacts of developing a Sustainable Transport System in the United Kingdom" was published today by Friends of the Earth. Written by Dr. Tim Jenkins, following a study by ECOTEC Research and Consulting, it assesses the impact of a 10% cut in road traffic levels by 2010 (over 1990 levels) and broadly corresponding increases in the use of trains,buses and bikes, on employment. Priced £10:00.

[2] "Less Traffic, More Jobs" estimates that cutting traffic levels by 10% over 1990 levels by 2010 would lead to the loss of 43,000 jobs in the car repair and maintenance sector. However, the associated boost in public transport and cycling would create 90,000 jobs in the railway sector; 31,000 in bus manufacture and use;and 9,000 in the manufacture and servicing of bicycles. Altogether, the net gain in jobs would be 87,000.

[3] As well as assessing the effects of traffic reduction on employment, "Less Traffic,More Jobs" contains an assessment by ECOTEC Research and Consulting of the effects encouraging the introduction of cleaner cars and more car leasing as opposed to car ownership. Both would lead to a net increase in jobs. The combined high technology, high lease scenario is estimated to lead to a net gain of 122,000 jobs over current policies.

[4] On Thursday, 22 May, the Private Members' Bill ballot will determine which MPs will be given Parliamentary time to introduce Private Members' Bills. Following the success of Don Foster MP's Road Traffic Reduction Act earlier this year, Friends of the Earth, the Green Party and the Plaid Cymru Parliamentary Party are promoting the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Bill.

This would require the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to draw up and implement a national plan to reduce traffic levels by 10%by 2010 (over 1990 levels). It would help fulfil Labour's manifesto commitment to introduce an integrated transport policy.

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