London has had its first smog warning of the summer

The Transport Minister interviewed on the Today Programme

John Pitts of Volvo

Matthew Taylor puts the Lib Dem case

Jackson Starts Campaign to Cut Down Traffic Pollution

The initiative, entitled Don't Choke Britain, will involve more than 300 local authorities and 100 other groups uniting to take part in a series of activities.

The campaign's launch comes after the release of Government figures that showed door-to-door journeys in London were taking longer now than in 1993 for all transport modes except bicycles.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the damaging effects of traffic congestion and pollution have on environment and health.

The main focus of the campaign will be:

• Breathe Easy Week, from May 31 to June 8
• National Bike Week, from June 7-15
• Green Transport Week, from June 14-20
• Walk to School Week, from June 16-20
• National Car Free Day on June 17

Jackson: plans to create an intergrated transport system

The campaign has so far gained the backing of two car manufacturers, Volvo and Vauxhall. Volvo was involved with launch while Vauxhall staff, including chairman Nick Reilly, left their cars at home for a day and went to work by alternative means of transport.

John Pitts, Volvo's UK Environmental Manager, has backed Ms Jackson's plans but has also called for a green tax on cars, based on the principle, "the cleaner the car, the less tax you pay". Mr Pitts is also in favour of Government backing for car manufacturers engaging in research into cleaner fuels.

Public transport, the only way forward?

The willingness of motoring organisations to embrace environmental issues is further reflected by the approach of the RAC, which now promotes all types of transport and no longer just champions the motorist.

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Matthew Taylor too welcomed the proposals, but attacked the Government for failing to take real action to tackle the "unsustainable growth in road transport".

"The unchecked rise in car use is causing widespread damage to the environment, the economy and society at large," he said. "The Labour Government must seize this opportunity to unblock our overloaded transport network."