Transport 2000's campaigning priorities

These are the top ten actions that are needed to get Britain's transport system on the right track.

1. Cut traffic
   There is too much traffic in towns and cities. Set a target to cut traffic by 10% by 2010.
2. Switch funding
   To cut traffic, switch funding from road building and bridge-strengthening to investment in rail, bus priority, and walking and cycling.
3. Improve public transport
   Reverse the fragmentation of the railways and buses. Invest more to make them reliable and cheaper.
4. Abolish company car perks
   The company car system creates incentives for people to drive further and costs the Treasury 1 billion pounds a year. It should be reformed to remove company car perks, to tax free parking at work, and to reward companies which set up green commuter plans.
5. Crack down on heavy lorries
   Ban the biggest lorries from sensitive areas, crack down on poorly maintained vehicles, and switch freight from road to rail.
6. Promote walking and cycling
   Three-quarters of all journeys are less than five miles, yet walking and cycling - the best ways to travel for these journeys - are in decline. Invest in high-quality pedestrian and cycle networks to reverse the decline.
7. Stop speeding
   Motorists who break the law by speeding are potential killers. Yet most of us do it. Enforce the law more rigorously and cut the speed limit to 20 mph in all urban areas and 55 mph elsewhere.
8. Reduce the need to travel
   Locate life's essentials close to where people live. If shops, schools, pubs etc. are nearby, many longer journeys become unnecessary.
9. Ask us!
   Ordinary people simply don't get asked about transport decisions that affect their lives. Bring in proper consultation about road schemes and look at the full range of alternatives before slamming down the tarmac.

previous article ·  July '96 index of LLB ·  write to LLB ·  LLB home page ·  next article