Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
FOE Calls for Traffic Reduction Targets as Summertime Smog Levels Soar
30 May 1997
The first smog warnings of the summer were announced today [1], the launch of the Don't Choke Britain campaign [2]. Friends of the Earth is urging the Government to tackle traffic-related air pollution by supporting a Private Members Bill which will set national targets for reducing traffic. The Bill - drawn up by Friends of the Earth, Plaid Cymru and the Green party - has been adopted by Plaid Cymru MP Cynog Dafis (drawn fifth in the Private Member Bill ballot) and will be introduced to Parliament this summer.
The Road Traffic Reduction Bill (national targets) calls for a 5 per cent reduction in road traffic by 2005 and a 10 per cent reduction by 2010. The Bill has already been supported by many MPs from all parties. Last week a petition backing the Bill, signed by a quarter of a million people, was handed into Parliament.
Simon Festing, Transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:
"Every year thousands of people die prematurely as a result of traffic-related air pollution and countless more suffer ill health. The Government must act quickly to tackle curb car use and invest in sensible alternatives to the car. We urge the Government to show its commitment to tackling the problem by backing the Road Traffic Reduction Bill.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] The Department of the Environment today warned of the first summer smogs this weekend for England and Wales. Poor ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels have been forecast for many area.
[2] The Don't Choke Britain campaign was launched today to raise awareness about traffic related congestion and pollution. Over 300 local authorities and 100 organisations are taking part in activities throughout June.
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: Dec 2008
