Fancy losing another working week a year stuck in traffic? If not, tell the Government the way to go… Drivers will lose the equivalent of another working week a year stuck in traffic by the end of the decade unless the Government urgently changes its transport policy, according to new figures published today by a coalition of over 25 major environment and social justice groups.

The Government is currently revising its Ten Year Transport Plan. The revised plan, due to be published this summer, will set out policy priorities and spending plans up to 2016.

Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth set up a stand outside Shepherds Bush Library last Saturday, 20 March, asking residents to send postcards or letters to tell the Government the sort of transport system they want to see. If you misssed, you are still in time to make your voice heard. Just contact Paula White on 0208 898 1112 (e-mail: info@hffoe.org.uk) or visit HFFOE web site.

Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth believes that investing in road building brings more traffic and congestion and encourages longer journeys and that tried-and-tested measures such as improved public transport and safe routes to schools should be extended nationwide and given more funding. These measures would increase transport choice, could help reduce traffic levels nationally by up to a tenth and by up to a quarter in peak periods, and could reduce the amount of time spent traveling by car.

Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth are calling for the revised Ten Year Plan to give more funding to 12 measures that will help reduce traffic levels, leading to: a cleaner environment; enjoyable neighbourhoods; tranquil, beautiful countryside; and a more socially-inclusive transport system.

The measures are:

o A cycle-friendly road network and cycle training for all.
o Streets, lanes and paths in good condition and pleasant for walking.
o Services and facilities close to people so they don't need to drive.
o Increased funding for local public transport, particularly in rural areas.
o Networks of bus lanes.
o Quality standards that bus and rail services must meet.
o Safe routes to schools for all children.
o Lower speed limits: a 20mph default in residential areas.
o A discount nationwide railcard available to all.
o Grants for rail-freight projects.
o Greater incentives to buy smaller, cleaner vehicles.
o Pay-as-you-go road user charging.

"Hammersmith and Fulham borough has some of the worst congestion and air pollution in London. According to government figures the sixth most polluted road in Britain is the Great West Road, the ninth is the Westway and the tenth is the Hammersmith Flyover. All around the borough air quality regularly breaks European Union limits. The government's own air quality targets announced last year allow London to have dirtier air than anywhere in Britain. By providing better public transport, cyclists and walking provision people will have a real choice of how to get about and we will actually be able to get around faster and cheaper. It will also create a safer more vibrant healthier neighbourhood with less congestion"

March 20, 2004


HFFOE web site