Archived press release

Prescott prevaricates on transport policy

21 August 1997

Friends of the Earth accused the Government of prevarication today over its failure to put forward concrete proposals to fulfil its promised integrated transport policy [1].

Although Friends of the Earth welcomed John Prescott's consultation document'Developing an Integrated Transport Policy', it criticised the Deputy Prime Minister for not making more resources available immediately to improve public transport and facilities for cyclists. Labour could have easily reallocated uncommitted funds from this year's roads budget to boost local spending on buses and bikes [2]. It hasn't done so.

The Labour Party consulted widely on numerous transport policy statements during its 18 years in opposition, while last year the Conservative Government carried out an almost identical public debate to the one outlined by Mr Prescott today. Friends of the Earth believes it is time that the talking was matched by action.

Roger Higman, Transport Campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:

"Consultation is all very well, but while it's happening more and more people will take to their cars. Mr Prescott should stop prevaricating and get on with funding quick, cheap and effective transport measures like traffic calming, bus lanes and cycle routes - using uncommitted money from his trunk roads budget."

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to commit itself to reducing traffic by 10%from 1990 levels by 2010, as laid out in the Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill [3]

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Prescott today published a consultation document "Developing an Integrated Transport Policy" following a pledge in Labour's manifesto. (DETR press notice 329/ENV). Although the document contains many ideas for consideration, no firm proposals have been put forward.

[2] Funds for public transport are awarded to local authorities through 'package bids'.Labour's pre-election policy document 'Consensus for Change' notes that "the package approach is currently allocated too small a proportion of total transport spending... In last year's local Government settlement, packages were allocated £79 million... Labour will encourage and extend the use of the package approach"Labour could increase this dramatically by using unallocated funds from the national roads budget and from savings made through cuts in the roads programme.

[3] The Road Traffic Reduction [UK Targets] Bill - drafted by Friends of the Earth, the Green Party and Plaid Cymru - has been introduced to Parliament as a Private Members Bill by Plaid Cymru MP, Cynog Dafis. The Bill, which would lead to a 5 per cent reduction by 2005, and a 10 per cent cut by 2010 (based on 1990 levels), is due to be discussed early in the new year.

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