Bus lane downgrade ‘no solution’

Whilst partly welcoming the Government’s announcement of the Go Ultra Low City Scheme that supports electric cars, Campaign for Better Transport took the opportunity to emphasise the part buses play in ensuring a green environment.

Sustainable Transport Campaigner at the Campaign, Bridget Fox, said, ‘While encouraging switching to electric cars from petrol and diesel is welcome, it can only be a small part of the solution and downgrading bus lanes is no solution at all. The Government needs to focus on building a truly sustainable transport network if it is serious about reducing carbon emissions and cleaning up air pollution. Real action on transport emissions needs the Government to take a much clearer, more joined up approach. We need investment in clean, extensive bus networks; modern trains; planning policies that require new and existing development; be properly connected to public transport networks; and infrastructure to support walking and cycling.’

The Government’s Go Ultra Low City Scheme has awarded significant funds to promote green vehicle technology after successfully bidding by cities for a share of a multi-million pot created to support the take up of plug in electric cars across the UK. London, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Nottinghamshire and Derby, as well as Dundee, Oxford, York and north east regions are to benefit from the money.