Williams Backs Plans to Double Investment in Railways

12.15.00pm GMT Tue 7th Aug 2007

Stephen Williams MP has today supported new Lib Dem proposals designed at creating a zero carbon transport system by 2050. Central to the new transport policies is the commitment to double investment in the railways, financed by introducing a charge for internal air flights and a toll on road freight.

Stephen Williams commented:

"In order to meet our targets in lowering carbon emissions we must ensure that there is sufficient, ring fenced funding for our rail network. The local transport infrastructure has suffered from continual underfunding from both Tory and Labour governments for a generation. If future generations are to meet carbon emission quotas then we must start investing in quality public transport. By adding a charge to internal flights and re-investing this money in rail transport we can dramatically improve our rail network and give passengers a real alternative to internal air travel. I am opposed to the expansion of Bristol Airport. "

Last Week Stephen Williams asked Ruth Kelly to bring forward investment in re-signalisation of the lines into Bristol Temple Meads. This would increase capacity and enable development of clock face services on the Severn Beach Line and enable the re-introduction of passenger services on the line to Portishead.

The paper "Towards Carbon Free Transport" forms part of wider climate change proposals which will be debated at the party's autumn conference. The proposals potentially release £12 billion for spending on rail improvements in the next five years.

ENDS

Issue Date: 7th August 2007 Constituency Office Contact: Chris Luffingham on 0117 9428773