HC Deb 10 July 1989 vol 156 c408W
17. Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans to take steps to slow the increase of motor traffic on roads.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

No. It would be neither proper nor popular to try to stifle economic growth or to deny more ordinary people the freedom that car use brings.

We encourage the movement of freight by rail where there are clear environmental reasons. Investment in public transport is rising to record levels.

We do much to promote measures to reduce vehicle speeds and improve the environment in residential areas.

Better driving, management and maintenance could save some 20 per cent. of fuel and significantly reduce pollution.

With a 20 per cent. reduction in fuel usage, pollution levels would be no more than they were 10 years ago.