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17 November 1999
. The Transport Bill will allow local Councils to introduce policies to manage traffic levels and control congestion
. The Access to the Countryside Bill will include stronger protection for key wildlife sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest).
These are the first significant green Bills introduced by this Government, and could help restore its environmental reputation.
FOE will campaign for the Transport Bill to include a clear commitment from the Government to a national road traffic reduction target. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said on taking office that the Government's transport policy would have failed if there were not fewer cars on the road after five years: “It's a tough target, but I urge you to hold me to it”.
FOE will also seek to strengthen the Access to the Countryside Bill to ensure greater protection for peatlands and other sites under threat from mineral extraction, as well as greater protection for rare species outside SSSIs.
Commenting, FOE Executive Director Charles Secrett said:
“We are delighted to see these important Bills included in the Queen's Speech.Traffic levels can't be cut without new powers for local Councils - although we also need a clear national traffic reduction target. And Britain's most precious wildlife sites desperately need the protection the Government is now offering - although wildlife outside these sites also needs help. The promise of a new wildlife law represents a triumphant success for FOE and other green organisations who have run a powerful lobbyijng campaign for the Bill to be included in the Queen's Speech.
We wish these Bills a speedy passage through Parliament - and we'll be working hard to improve them along the way.”
For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
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