Transport to a brighter future

Recently some people have suggested that in a time of economic downturn the environment should be put to one side so that we can concentrate on stimulating the economy and protecting jobs. The same people are probably the ones who got us into this mess in the first place.

But at the ETA we believe now is just the time to concentrate on the environment by stimulating the economy in the right direction and with jobs in mind.

Take one example: whilst we are not overly keen on road building itself, a mid to long term exercise in any case, we do want our roads to be well maintained.

Investment in road maintenance is years behind schedule. It is not just the road surface but the signage, street furniture, cycle and footways. Setting standards, aspirations and funding at a national level, but implementing projects locally will inject investment into the backbone of our lives – transport.

A myriad of small improvement projects would be low in capital and high in job creation and would have a bonus of having a higher multiplier effect (the money goes into the local economy and stays there – it does not fly abroad).

These improvements would include improving our bus stops and rail stations too. Alongside this, government could fund services to help large employers to ease their burden on the road network by implementing green travel plans.

These projects are relatively quick to implement, create many worthwhile jobs – most at an easy access level, and, perhaps selfishly, keeps our money in Britain.

Remember, treating the environment well is about our making our lives better today and tomorrow.