Minister sets out transport priorities in Royce Memorial lecture
Thu 30 November 2006
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Transport Minister, Dr Stephen Ladyman, highlighted road pricing, emissions trading and the introduction of renewable fuels as key aspects of future transport policy in the light of the environmental challenges. He set out the Department's high level transport policies in the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Lecture.
Dr Ladyman said transport planners could no longer ignore the overriding importance of sustainability.
To help meet the challenge, the UK must make greater use of demand management systems such as road pricing to balance people's need for transport against environmental concerns, he said.
He expressed the belief that a stronger economy and a cleaner environment are not mutually exclusive. However, he said, despite all the investment that has been made, things still aren't improving fast enough.
"Still people turn in greater numbers to the motor car. And still the environmental impact of transport grows and grows".
The minister highlighted the priority accorded by the Government to biofuels. He said that the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation should offer direct incentives for the use of the very best biofuels. "These may include 'second generation' biofuels, which could come from grasses or straw, short-rotation coppice or even the green bits of municipal waste," he said.
However, he said, Britain first needs to develop robust and internationally acceptable standards in this area.
For the complete text of the Minister's speech follow the link below.
Related Links
Link to full speech (DfT website)
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