Islington Green, Caroline Russell joined Jenny Jones this morning at London Bridge to launch the Green Party transport manifesto.
The Green Party is the only party with policies that will provide the necessary investment in public transport, whilst reducing fares and cutting congestion on London’s roads.
This is the message behind a comprehensive set of policies, launched today by the London Greens, which aim to make it easier, cheaper and more pleasant to walk, cycle and take public transport.
With two members on the London Assembly (1) the Greens have already been instrumental in tripling the cycling budget and introducing plans for cycle hire and cycle superhighways. The Green Party also provided crucial support to campaigns that saved money by preventing a motorway bridge over the Thames and a third runway at Heathrow.
Jenny Jones, the Green Party’s Mayoral candidate, said: "London needs a positive vision for how our transport system can change to cope with congestion and pollution, and address the scandal of deaths on our roads.
“Instead of wasting tens of millions every year in extra subsidy for a New Bus for London, I would focus on lowering fares and making the roads safer. Instead of wasting hundreds of millions on new roads and road widening, I would focus on improving the alternatives to driving and dealing with air pollution."
The Green Party is the only party bringing forward proposals to raise the necessary revenue to cut fares, reduce congestion whilst providing significant additional investment in the public transport system, made possible by a road pricing scheme. This would mean:
– Fares are cut across the transport system and greater investment provided to improve services and reduce overcrowding
– Money is raised for public transport, reducing congestion and improving air quality not just through the ‘pay-as-you-go driving’ scheme to replace the arbitrary congestion charge, but also a higher “gas guzzler” charge for the most polluting vehicles
– The entire fleet of London buses is converted to low emission hybrid, hydrogen or 3 electric models by 2016
– 20mph speed limits are introduced on all roads where people live, work and shop and rebuild London’s most dangerous junctions to provide safe, dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists
– Congestion and overall traffic levels are reduced to improve London’s economic competitiveness, reduce air pollution and cut carbon dioxide emissions
Jenny Jones said: “Continuing with London’s transport nightmare is simply not an option. But there are realistic steps we can take to take to make a difference.
“We don’t need to accept ever-rising congestion on increasingly polluted roads, where a small problem on your bike or as a pedestrian can carry the death sentence. Our plans will deliver immediate improvements while setting in motion plans to transform our transport network.”
Caroline Russell said: "Introducing 20mph limits on all roads where people live, work and shop will benefit residents across London even those living along trunk roads like Holloway Rd in Islington. Treating major roads as places not just as motor-way-like routes will encourage walking and cycling, reduce air pollution and create a more liveable streetscape – improving health and well-being for all".
The transport manifesto can be found here
