Letter: Planning transport for the future
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I agree with John Adams that the Government has missed an important opportunity to act on the growth in congestion and pollution, which their figures show are on the increase ("We're on a road to nowhere", 26 April).
But Mr Adams is wrong when he suggests that Labour too is lacking direction in transport policy.
In government, we will implement a national transport framework, regional transport strategies and local transport plans. These will tackle transport problems, not least the damaging environmental consequences of vehicle emissions on health and the environment, and the economic effects of congestion (estimated at pounds 15bn per year).
We propose long-term planning to provide people with transport choices, and in doing so provide efficient, convenient and clean alternatives to car use.
People have the right to make transport choices, and it is the responsibility of government to provide these choices.
At present, the failings of rail privatisation, bus deregulation, the lack of provision for cyclists and pedestrians mean that this choice is all too often restricted to the car.
Graham Allen MP
(Nottingham North, Lab)
House of Commons
London SW1
The writer is the Labour spokesman on transport.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments