Professor John Whitelegg, leading academic and spokesperson on sustainable development for the Green Party has strongly criticised government policies to tackle rising fuel prices.
Speaking on Granada TV he said:
"Britain could not have got it more wrong if it tried. Government policy on this matter is bonkers and backwards. It needs to get its act together now before oil prices triple, as they inevitably will."
Professor Whitelegg continued:
"Even a quick look at Berlin or Zurich will show how intelligent planning and investment produces much less driving, much more walking, cycling and public transport and gives people real choices so they can dodge fuel price increases."
Referring to the difficulties facing many people in a time of austerity, he said:
"The Green Party takes no satisfaction at all from steep price increases that cause upset and stress for families that are just going about their normal business. We would take a similar view about housing and food."
He highlighted the urgent need for change, concluding:
"The Green Party response to this is to sort out our miserable transport and planning system to provide people with dramatic improvements in public transport. We would encourage walking and cycling and prevent counter-productive policies like the closing of 3000 post offices, which makes people travel further and pushes them to opt for the car."