Foot-loose, car-free
21 July 2004
The Green Party welcomes news that ideas about sustainable transport are spreading around Europe, highlighted by the World Car-free Network's conference "Towards Car-free Cities IV", set to conclude Saturday in Berlin.
Green Party environment spokesperson Penny Kemp comments: "Supporting the car-free movement is not necessarily anti-car. The Green Party's aim is to promote greener methods of transport, wherever they are feasible.
"Cars that burn fossil fuels, while sometimes necessary, are one of the most unsustainable forms of transport. Walking, cycling and public transport are better for the environment, and better for your health."
Penny Kemp continues, "It should be possible to have car free cities providing there is accessible and affordable public transport. Greens accept that in many areas of the country, this is just not possible and people should not be heavily penalised when alternatives are not available. However, people should be encouraged to choose the least polluting form of transport available to them.
"Climate change dictates that we must look at alternatives to using fossil fuels when travelling. The average car journey in this country is less than three miles, which often makes walking and cycling attractive choices.
"The Green Party would always seek to create car-free developments wherever possible, through both planning arrangements and financial incentives. A balance must be struck between the needs of drivers and other street users."
Green Party alternatives
The Green Party's plan for sustainable, reliable transport includes:
· The use of planning to minimise car dependency and promote walking, cycling and public transport
· Working towards an effective rail system that is safer, cheaper and more reliable
· A "Safe Routes to School" program to ensure that all children have a safe, healthy way to travel to school
