Coalition new fuel policy will only fuel car addiction

"Cleaner fuel for vehicles can only significantly reduce air pollution if it is linked with a plan to reduce the number of cars and trucks on NSW roads, and we can only achieve that if public transport services are expanded," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The only real solution for Sydney's deteriorating pollution and traffic is a significant investment in public transport.

"NSW government figures show that people are travelling further in their cars, there are more vehicles on our roads, and the morning and afternoon traffic peaks take longer to clear.

"The average distance of car driver trips has increased by five per cent, while the number of vehicle kilometres travelled and the total number of household vehicles are growing at a faster rate than the increase in the population.

"Mr Debnam's so-called Cleaner Vehicles and Cleaner Fuels policy announcement is a distraction from long term solutions. It fuels the state*s addictions to cars. At best it will keep pollution levels steady.

"Public transport is clearly low on Mr Debnam's priority list.

"This is not surprising as he has announced he will get rid of 29,000 public sector jobs so public services will clearly deteriorate under a Debnam government.

"This Liberals' policy distraction shows that they have only piece-meal answers to the issues facing NSW voters.

"Public transport offers the best way to address pollution, and would also provide Sydney with less road congestion," Ms Rhiannon said.

09/01/07
For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Photo by *Vlad*: http://www.flickr.com/photos/306/299745170/