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Manifesto calls for shift in transport planning focus

27/01/2010

Environmental groups have issued a "manifesto for change" in the public transport network, blaming the Government's "lack of strategic planning" for a lack of choice.

Aimed at whichever political party forms the next government, Improving everyday transport argues that the long-term recovery of the country from recession - and the sustainability of the transport network - depends on decisions made over the next five years in relation to public transport.

Formed by the Campaign for Better Transport, Campaign to Protect Rural England, national cyclists' organisation CTC, Friends of the Earth and Living Streets - which promotes urban environments that encourage walking - the manifesto suggests how to make alternatives to car travel cheaper and more user-friendly, both in towns and in the countryside.

The coalition says that the emphasis needs to switch from large-scale air and rail developments, and instead focus on off-road walking and cycling routes, along with increased travel planning by firms and schools. It also advocates 'greening' the country's bus fleets, and promoting the take-up of 'smarter choices' initiatives that promote sustainable options.

This could be partly funded through the taxation of aviation fuel for domestic flights, which the coalition says would raise £460 million each year while cutting back on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Other measures could include cancelling "expensive and ineffective" road schemes, and introducing lorry road user charging - the intention being that all users of the roads, not just UK-registered vehicles, would contribute to the network's upkeep.

Last week, the Campaign for Better Transport hit out at the Government's road-building policy, saying that the reports informing its decisions are fundamentally flawed - resulting in £1 billion each year being "gambled".

Stephen Joseph, executive director of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Politicians tend to focus on the big transport schemes but this manifesto is about practical and affordable changes that can be made to improve everyday transport, giving people more choice in how they get about and making alternatives to cars easier and cheaper to use."

Meanwhile Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins called on all political parties to make their plans to cut carbon emissions clear in their election manifestos.

"We can't wait for cleaner cars and planes to be developed - we need bold action now to improve public transport and make walking and cycling more attractive options," he added.