§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he proposes to introduce to(a) discourage the use of the car and (b) encourage the use of alternative forms of transport. [8600]
§ Mr. NorrisMeasures to discourage the use of the car and encourage alternatives are being promoted by local authorities within the context of the package approach. The need for further measures has been discussed widely as part of the national debate on transport policy, on which the Government intend to produce a further report.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department is currently taking to increase the amount of public information available in respect of the environmental effects of car pollution. [8603]
§ Mr. NorrisMy Department regularly issues advice in official publications to motorists and operators on environmentally conscious driving and, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, is undertaking a number of initiatives to increase the amount of public information available.
One recent initiative, under the aegis of the Greener Motoring Forum, was the launch of a pilot information campaign, with garages and dealerships in five cities. This offered motorists a free exhaust emissions test and a booklet, "Running a greener car," explaining what they can do to improve their car's environmental performance.
501WMore generally, the first national air quality strategy, which the Government intend to publish for consultation within the next few months, will include a detailed breakdown of the source of many common air pollutants, including road transport where appropriate, and the steps which we will take or expect others to take to reach air quality standards and objectives. The Government also publish the "Digest of Environmental Statistics" and sponsor publications such as the independent reports of the expert panel on air quality standards, which spell out clearly the environmental effects of different sources of pollution, including cars.