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PRESS RELEASE: Lib Dems - don't be yellow over green promises
Transport campaign group Tyne Crossings Alliance is urging the new Liberal Democrat council in
Newcastle Upon Tyne to follow the spirit of their environmental promises. The Alliance, which is campaigning to stop the
construction of the second Tyne road tunnel, says that the new council should drop support for the tunnel, which could prove a health and environment disaster for the region.
Tyne Crossings spokesperson Brian Paget said:
"Throughout their local election campaign the Lib Dems have been anxious to show off their 'green' credentials. Newcastle City Council, which is the key sponsor of the second Tyne road tunnel project, now has the opportunity to put a stop to these plans before more public money is wasted.
"The Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA), which is behind the new tunnel project, has been blind to the risk the tunnel poses, and deaf to those most likely to suffer if the tunnel project goes ahead. By the PTA's own admission the proposed tunnel will attract more traffic. This will bring with it the damaging effects of social exclusion, poor health and environmental blight.
"If the new Liberal Democrat council is genuine about its green principles, it should withdraw support for the tunnel immediately, and explore alternatives to the road tunnel. Their first meeting on 30th June would be an ideal opportunity to say no to the tunnel, and say yes to traffic reduction and sustainable public transport ."
Notes to Editors
Liberal Democrat Party website: http://www.libdems.org.uk/
Liberal Democrat Newcastle Manifesto:
http://www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk/manifesto04.pdf
"The North East has yet to feel the impact of the very heavy car usage in other parts of the country. This will happen, however, in the next few years unless ambitious policies are developed to encourage non-car transport. Building more roads does not reduce congestion; it simply increases traffic."
Liberal Democrat Local manifesto:
http://www.libdems.org.uk/documents/policies/Manifestos/localengland2004.rtf
"Strong environmental policies for cleaner and greener living have always been a priority for Liberal Democrat-run councils."
Liberal Democrat quotes:
http://www.libdems.org.uk/index.cfm/page.homepage/section.home/article.4982
"You can’t build Britain out of the congestion" - Tom Brake MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Minister 2002
http://www.libdems.org.uk/index.cfm/page.homepage/section.home/article.3877
“Congestion will not be affected by increased road building or cutting train services. The only way we will ever tackle congestion is by giving the British people the integrated, safe, reliable and affordable public transport alternative they need and deserve." - Don Foster MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary 2002
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