Not Putting The Brakes

the Commission for Integrated Transport (cfit) of the uk has come down heavily on the British government for 'soft-pedalling' on policies to restrain car use. "Unless we take stringent measures, traffic congestion -- particularly in our cities -- is going to get worse," commission chairperson David Begg is reported to have said.

cfit has pointed out that ministers are not doing enough to introduce charges for driving in towns or parking at work. It has also alleged that they are not prioritising bus usage. As a result, the commission said the government risked missing targets set in the us $263-billion, 10-year transport plan that also includes a six per cent reduction in traffic congestion. The commission's findings came in its first annual review of the plan, pertaining to the period 2001-2011.

It was devised by the uk government as a strategy to tackle congestion and pollution by improving all types of transport -- rail and road, public and private -- in ways that provide more options to the common man. Introducing measures such as a 50 per cent increase in rail use by better integration with cars, buses, taxis and bicycles, a 10 per cent increase in bus passenger journeys and introduction of 25 new rapid transport lines in major cities are the highlights of the plan. It comprises us $175 billion in public money and private investment worth us $87 million approximately. A government review of the plan is due in July 2002.

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