HC Deb 01 July 1997 vol 297 cc132-3W
Mr. Bayley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what policies the Government will adopt to discourage the use of cars by public servants. [4714]

Dr. Strang

A cross-Government group is reviewing existing travel policies and identifying what measures can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of travel. Departments are being encouraged to draw up green transport plans to address issues such as staff commuting and official business travel. Guidance on green transport plans is being developed by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to assist other Departments. The Government has also been encouraging public and private sector organisations to look at ways of minimising staff commuting by car and cutting down on environmental impacts of car fleets. The Government's general transport policies to encourage use of public transport and reduce car dependency, will also affect public servants' travel decisions.