Liberal Democrats Environment Plans (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Liberal Democrats Environment Plans

April 12, 2005 12:36 PM

A Liberal Democrat government would mean less pollution, less waste, a higher priority for public transport and more help for cyclists and pedestrians, says Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Bridget Fox.

Welcoming the publication of the Liberal Democrat Manifesto for the Environment, Bridget Fox said:

"Liberal Democrats believe that there should be a green backbone running right through Government. We need to start with firm action to tackle climate change, cut traffic congestion and give proper support to alternative fuel sources.

"Since Labour same to power in 1997, total municipal waste has gone up by nearly a fifth, we are still bottom of the European recycling league and the number of conservation sites in a good condition has declined.

"Liberal Democrats would get tough on polluters, with a new specialist Environmental Court to deal with enforcing environmental rules. We will ensure the level of penalties which polluters have to pay are appropriate to the offence - at present they are often trivial compared to the profits from environmental crime.

"We will tackle unnecessary waste, with a long-term goal of zero municipal waste, through waste minimisation, reuse and recycling. As a first step, we will ensure that within seven years 60% of all household waste is recycled, and we will aim to offer every household regular kerbside recycling collections.

"We will encourage walking and cycling. Children walking to school get fit for life - but it must be safe. Fewer school-run car journeys also mean less pollution, less congestion and fewer road deaths. Liberal Democrats will promote Safe Routes to School with calmed traffic, safe pavements, good lighting and grown-ups on hand to conduct "walking buses". We will provide more cycle routes and reform planning rules to make sure key services are more easily accessible by foot or bicycle.

"We will build the environment into the planning system and bring in a range of measures to make homes more energy efficient, bringing heating bills down as well as reducing pollution and cutting greenhouse gas emissions."

"These proposals would protect and improve the environment - helping our pockets, our families, our communities and our world. A greener Britain means a better environment, and a better life for all."