Why government could focus more on green transport

Date: 5/8/2011

Action needs to be taken by UK councils in order to increase the amount of money they put towards green transport initiatives.

Such is the opinion of Friends of the Earth and Sustrans, which released their findings on the same day (August 4th) the Department for Transport revealed that traffic volumes on motorways remained at roughly the same level during the second quarter of 2011 as they were for the same period of 2010.

The two groups say that this is despite more motorists claiming to have cut the number of journeys they make in their car as a result of rising fuel prices and concerns for the economy.

In order to reduce both road traffic and carbon emissions, the two charities urge local authorities to direct more of their spending at environmental travel initiatives.

"Smarter travel choices are a win-win for councils and people - they are an easy and value-for-money way to cut congestion and emissions and protect people from rising petrol prices," says Richard Dyer, Friends of the Earth's Transport Campaigner.

In London, efforts are being made to encourage people to choose sustainable travel options during the Olympic Games, with Transport Minister Norman Baker urging business employees to consider walking, cycling or working from home during the event.

Posted by Nick Anderson