'Utter Hypocrisy' by LibDem Ministers on Transport and Climate Change
Thu., April 20, 2006. 10:22.
Tavish Scott throws in the towel on traffic reduction
Libdem Minister Tavish Scott has finally admitted that his policies will not reduce traffic levels, but increase them - and his move to scrap a 2020 target to reduce traffic growth has been heavily criticised by Scottish Greens.
Green MSP Mark Ballard launched a scathing attack on the Minister and his party, accusing them of 'utter hypocrisy' when it comes to the environment and transport policies. Greens will now press ahead with their own Green Transport Bill in the Scottish Parliament which would set interim targets to reduce traffic growth. Such interim targets would make Ministers accountable whilst in office. Interim targets between now and 2020 were also recommended by the Scottish Parliament's Environment Committee when it investigated climate change last year.
Mark Ballard MSP said: "This is classic Libdem 'say one thing do another' utter hypocrisy. Despite Tavish Scott saying today that he wants to consult on a sustainable transport strategy that will begin in 2012, at the same time he is pressing ahead with massive motorway projects that will increase traffic growth. Despite Libdem Ministers talking about tackling congestion, on the ground they campaign against congestion charges. Ministers have ignored the findings of independent inquiries on massive motorway projects and unbelievably are now even moving to scrap targets to increase cycling.
"Talk of road-user charging is a huge red herring because there are significant technical challenges, and in any case would take many years, if not decades to come about - we need action now, and talk of road user charging on a massive scale cannot be allowed to be simply an excuse not to do anything in the short term. Judging by the facts and the record of Mr Scott and his colleagues, I find it laughable that anyone can now take him seriously when he even utters the words congestion or environment, never mind believe him when he says he will take much notice of a consultation exercise."
The National Transport Strategy being consulted on aims to provide a single, comprehensive national statement of long-term objectives, priorities and plans. It will look at:
- Reducing journey times
- Reducing congestion
- Promoting economic growth
- Promoting social inclusion
- Protecting our environment
- Developing integration
- Improving safety
The resulting strategy will determine infrastructure investment from 2012.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.