Stephen Williams MP Supports 'Chooseday'

3.40.00pm GMT Tue 30th Oct 2007

Stephen Williams MP has today given his support to a new initiative launched to encourage people to leave their cars at home on Tuesdays. 'Chooseday' has had large backing from some of Bristol's biggest employers, with more than 20,000 city centre employees willing to make a car-free choice.

Stephen Williams MP commented:

"The initiative once again illustrates that Bristol is a city that is at the forefront of cutting carbon emissions and addressing the causes of climate change. It is excellent to see people and organisations tackling the problem together, making the city more environmentally friendly. By implementing practical solutions to global problems, the people of Bristol are demonstrating that they are ahead of the politicians, giving a clear lead to the government over the issues of climate change."

"However, the initiative does expose the problems surrounding Bristol's public transport system. First Bus currently holds a monopoly on bus services in Bristol, which is resulting in a system that is too expensive for a great number of passengers. There have been a number of cancellations and re-routes of its services across Bristol and this problem must be addressed. The market has to be opened up to more competition. If more companies were operating in the centre of the city, there would be more money to subsidies what First consider "unprofitable" services, such as the 54a and the 55."

'Chooseday' is the idea of Chris Sunderland, leader of the charity 'Agora', who urges all Bristol businesses to take action and join the initiative.