THE Government’s ‘scrappage scheme’ to encourage people to buy new cars is an unjustified use of public money, and sends the wrong signal on travel choices.

In the late 1990s, nearly all of Britain’s bicycle production closed down and went overseas. The Government made no efforts to step in and save this, in spite of the thousands of jobs they supported and the contribution they made towards the health and fitness of the nation. In the current economic climate, people urgently need affordable public transport. Yet the above inflation fare rises in January also passed almost without comment.

The money spent on the scrappage scheme should be spent on measures to stimulate a low carbon economy. A Green New Deal would create many thousands of jobs whilst also delivering the solutions we need for a greener future.

Chris Bluemel, Co-ordinator, South West Hampshire Green Party.