Archived press release

Manchester rejects green transport revolution

12 December 2008

Commenting on the 'No' verdict of the Manchester transport referendum announced today (Friday 12 December 2008), Friends of the Earth's Senior Transport Campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

"Greater Manchester has missed the opportunity to develop a clean, fast and efficient transport network."

"Investing in a state-of-the-art public transport system, cycling and walking would have brought massive benefits to ordinary people by tackling congestion, climate change and air pollution."

"But Manchester's loss could be another's gain. Government cash is still up for grabs and local authorities across the country now have the chance to bid for their own low-carbon transport systems."

"Road transport accounts for over 20 per cent of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions. The Government must urgently introduce a comprehensive programme of measures to cut transport emissions as part of its plans to slash the UK's contribution to global climate change."

Local group campaigner Dave Coleman from Manchester Friends of the Earth added:

"Greater Manchester has missed a trick to solve its traffic problems - we are the second most congested city in the UK outside London."

"Urgent action is needed to get people out of their cars and onto public transport. Combining this with investment in walking and cycling facilities would see the end of congestion and slash climate changing emissions."

Notes:

1. Friends of the Earth is calling on local authorities and the Government to bring forward new road charging schemes as part of a broader package of measures that are designed to reduce car-use and slash carbon emissions from transport nationally. Revenue raised must be set aside for integrated investment in public transport networks, facilities for walking and cycling.

2. Friends of the Earth has campaigned vigorously in favour of the proposed transport measures for Greater Manchester as part of a coalition of leading environmental, transport and health groups. For more information see www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/manchester_transport_24112008.html

3. A Friends of the Earth media briefing on the future of road pricing schemes is available from marie.reynolds@foe.co.uk

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