As gridlock looms, UK plc promotes cleaner cars over active – Transport Xtra

About turn! From ‘meaningfully altering the status quo on the road’ to ‘balancing the needs of cyclists and pedestrians with the needs of other road-users, including motorists’, is active travel policy taking a new direction?As Cycling UK and a group of leading transport experts warn that Britain’s cities are in danger of being overrun by traffic congestion, the UK has introduced several new multi-million pound trade and research programmes aimed at promoting cleaner motor vehicles and fuels and to boost electric vehicle supply chains. Cleaner cars, yes, but still cars (oh, and plus a few zero emission buses).In a letter to transport authorities this October, Transport Minister Grant Shapps warned that active travel schemes ‘must balance the needs of cyclists and pedestrians with the needs of other road-users, including motorists and local businesses. Only authorities which have passed these key tests will receive the funding they have asked for’.