Liberal Democrats launch radical new transport policies

4.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 3rd Jun 2008

Radical transport proposals to significantly increase long-term rail investment, introduce road user pricing to tackle pollution and congestion and hand control of buses back to local authorities have been launched today by the Liberal Democrats.

The additional investment will be paid for by introducing emissions-linked charges on road freight and internal flights.

The main proposals include:

· Cutting fuel duty and abolishing VED over the next 10 years and introducing a cost-neutral road user pricing scheme on motorways and trunk roads

· Building a high speed rail network paid for by introducing emissions-linked charges on road freight and internal flights

· Introducing rolling contracts for train operating companies to increase long-term investment and improve services

· Give power to control local bus services back to local authorities

· Introducing a new fund for rural transport

· Giving passengers a stronger voice to improve local transport services through a new passenger watchdog

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said:

"These proposals offer a radical alternative vision for transport in the 21st Century, compared with the tired short-sightedness of both Labour and the Tories."

"At a time when families are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of travel, only the Liberal Democrats are setting out how to make our transport system sustainable, affordable and fair.

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said:

"With Labour's 30 year plan for the railways stopping inexplicably in 2014 and no firm proposals from the Conservatives, we are the only party with concrete proposals to build a transport system fit for the 21st century.

"Motorists and passengers are getting a raw deal under Labour. We are turning into cattle truck Britain, with rail services overcrowded and congestion growing on the roads, as any commuter will tell you.

"Motorway and trunk road pricing will cost the average motorist no more but the costs will be honest and upfront and rural motorists who have to rely on their cars will save money."