Better Transport

With an election on the horizon, we set the country’s main political parties a challenge: How would your party reduce transport’s carbon footprint?

Campaign for Better Transport believes much can and must be done to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. While individual actions are part of the solution, strong leadership from politicians is critical. So we hosted speeches from the transport spokesperson from each of leading political parties on this theme.

Liberal Democrat plans for low-carbon transport

In January 2010, the final speech in our series was given by Norman Baker, transport spokesperson from the Liberal Democrats. In his speech (pdf) Norman stated that "Lowering carbon is at the heart of our [Liberal Democrat transport] strategy".

Exploring the transport challenges for the next parliament - a panel debate

After the final speech we hosted a panel debate which explored the transport challenges the next parliament will face. Speakers at the panel debate were Norman Baker MP (Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson) Steven Norris (Former Minister for Transport, board member of Transport for London and the London Development Agency) Robbie Owen (Partner, Bircham Dyson Bell) and Lord Rosser (Labour Peer and former general secretary of TSSA).

You can see photos of this event on Flickr.

Labour Party plans for low-carbon transport

In November 2009, we hosted a major speech by Andrew Adonis, the Transport Secretary. In the speech (PDF 41k) he highlighted the vital role that effective, efficient, green transport, has to play in our economic recovery and future economic growth. He also introduced a new low–carbon industrial strategy for transport. Amongst other things the strategy included a ‘Plugged In Places’ scheme, to set up charging points for electric vehicles, and a bid to launch a national skills academy for railway engineering.

You can see photos of this event on Flickr. 

Conservative Party plans for low-carbon transport

In February 2009, the first speech in our series was given by Theresa Villiers, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. Amongst other issues, Theresa’s speech (PDF 81K) included commitment to a Transport Carbon Reduction Fund. 

You can see more pictures of this event on Flickr.