The Green Party has responded to a smog episode in South East England today by announcing plans to boost spending on walking and cycling.[1]
The air pollution episode, which is expected to bring ‘high’ levels of air pollution to South East England, is the result of traffic fumes, still air and fumes blown from Southern Europe.
The Green Party is calling for long term action to cut down on harmful emissions.
In their manifesto, which is set to be launched next week, the Green Party will call for £30 a head to be spent on walking and cycling measures.
The Green Party’s pledge follows a call by cycling campaign CTC for the Government to increase spending on cycling to £10 a head. The Dutch Government currently spends £24 a head on cycling whilst in the UK the level of spending is estimated to be £2 per head at present. [2] [3]
The Greens are also calling for the UK Government to investigate the use of emergency measures to cut air pollution, such as the ‘free transport’ days used in Paris.
Natalie Bennett, Green Party Leader, said:
“We need bold policies to reduce the damage done by air pollution in our towns and cities. We know that 29,000 people die every year because of this pollution – and the time has come to act.
The Green Party would invest in affordable, convenient networks of public transport and safe walking and cycling routes to reduce the need to travel by car. We'd also cut public transport fares – paid for by cancelling the Government’s plans for building new roads.”
Ms Bennett, who will be campaigning in Holborn and St Pancras today, went on to say:
“It’s time that the UK Government looked closely at emergency measures used in other countries like the free public transport days in Paris.
The time has come for the Government to recognise the fundamental link between our environment and our quality of life, and to start taking this health crisis seriously. This would also help reduce the pressure on our NHS.”
Caroline Russell, Local Transport Spokesperson said
"There should be real ambition and determination to solve the source of the problem. Even healthy adults are being advised not to exercise out of doors today. It’s not good enough to tell people that the air is bad and they should stay inside, instead we should be asking people to stop using their cars when pollution is so dangerously high”
ENDS
1) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32233922
2) http://www.ctc.org.uk/news/get-britain-cycling-report-recommends-%C2%A310-head-year-funding-for-cycling
3) http://road.cc/content/news/124182-increase-spend-cycling-%C2%A310-head-urges-house-commons-transport-committee