Archived press release

Top journalist unlocks labour's transport gridlock

18 August 1997

RADIO INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE VIA ISDN LINE [1]

In the week Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is due to launch a public debate on his planned integrated transport policy [2], Friends of the Earth today publishes a major new report outlining what he should do. "Unlocking the Gridlock: the key to a new transport policy" is written by Christian Wolmar, Political (and former Transport) Correspondent ofThe Independent newspaper [3].

Christian Wolmar's message is that change is needed and needed fast, but that the solutions to our transport crisis are within our grasp. He argues:

"We need to show the politicians that enough is enough and that it is time for the priorities to be reversed to stop the domination of the car. And we need to ensure that things are done quickly, that this is a national emergency which should be treated as such. There is lots that can be done and much of it does not involve massive spending."

"All we want is a town with the public transport system of Zurich, the cycle facilities of Groningen, the pedestrian zones of Berlin, overseen by sensible national policies such as those of Holland and with electric cars and lots of'clean' buses, with nearby local facilities to reduce the need to travel. It is not much to ask."

Roger Higman, Friends of the Earth's Senior Transport Campaigner, added:

"Christian Wolmar has been better placed than most to observe what's wrong with Britain's transport system. His report demonstrates the need for rapid changes in policy. Mr Prescott would do well to read it."

Friends of the Earth is promoting the Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill which would require Mr. Prescott to draw up and implement a national plan to reduce road traffic levels by 10% from 1990 levels by 2010 [4].

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1]Interviews with Christian Wolmar can be carried out through The Independent'stwo ISDN lines

[2] Labour's manifesto for the 1997 General Election committed it to "an integrated transport policy to fight congestion and pollution". The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Prescott has said that the Government will review its transport policies and publish a white paper on the integrated transport policy next spring. He is expected to launch a public consultation on what should go in the white paper later this week.

[3] "Unlocking the Gridlock: the key to a new transport policy" is available priced6.95 from Publications Despatch, Friends of the Earth, 56-58 Alma Street,Luton, LU1 2PH. Review copies can be obtained from Paula Smith on 020 7566 1663.

Photos of Christian Wolmar can be obtained from the Picture Editor of the Independent

[4] The Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill was introduced to Parliament in June as a Private Members' Bill by Cynog Dafis MP, following the successful passage of the Road Traffic Reduction Act earlier this year. The Road Traffic Reduction Act, which was also promoted by Friends of the Earth, required local authorities to draw up and implement plans to reduce traffic or prevent traffic growth. The new Bill puts a similar duty on the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. It is widely supported by MPs of all political parties.

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