Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Oct 98/Nov 98

Transport White Paper

Recent press reports have rumoured that the Transport White Paper has strong oppostion within the government. They have suggested that the key proposals may not become law during this parliament because of perceived unpopularity with the voters.

Show Them Trey're Wrong

Please write to your MP NOW stressing the urgency of the situation and put the case for immediate legislation. Labour and the Liberals have just had their party conferences- now is a good time to grab their attention with the start of the next parliamentary session.

The main points to include in your letter:

There is a crisis in UK transport. The systems are over congested and risk failure.

To postpone any action would ensure that a bad situation will get far worse an dthat the government will be blamed for this.

The recent consultation on the Transport White Paper was rated one of the largest consultation responses ever. Hundreds of transport experts put thousands of hours into making an effective difference to transport in the UK.

Some of the policies required may be unpopular with voters as individuals. However, to postpone or put off the implementation of these policies will be a huge failing on the governments part and contrary to all the evidence that has been amassed. As transport systems surely fail, the government will will become even less popular.

MPs should be urged to get government action on the White Paper NOW! If it is delayed then there will not be time to show the positive results and improved transport outcome before the next elections.

PLEASE WRITE TO YOUR MP TODAY. Details of your MP can be obtained from FOE Reception on 0121 632 6909

Richard Partridge