January 26, 1998

Worthing MP's Peter Bottomley and Timothy Loughton, have today, decided not to vote for a Bill, which if it became law, would have helped solve some of the areas chronic traffic problems. The Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill, is designed to reduce traffic miles 10% before 2010, by the use of cost effective alternative transport options. An added bonus of the Bill, is that roads will become safer places for children to cross. 

West Sussex Green Party's John Tyler said: "This is a disgrace, how dare these MP's refuse to do what they are paid for. Their job is to be in the House of commons and vote for this Bill to become law as their constituents would wish. To many MP's adopt this cavalier attitude and nip off early on a Friday, its time they published their work schedule each week, for public scrutiny". 

Continuing John Tyler said: "This Bill is so important. It's aim is to make the roads safer and more friendly, by reducing traffic 10% by 2010. Only last week a public meeting in Lancing, heard how school children had been killed crossing the A27 and urgent safety measures demanded". 

The Children's Play Council, a charity working to provide a positive environment for children's development, have released a statement in support of the Bill, it said. "The car culture has profoundly worsened children's health and quality of life..........Parents are afraid to allow their children to play out, or travel on their own.........Traffic must be reduced. 

John Tyler insisted: "If any more children are killed on this road, then I don't know how these MP's are going to live with the knowledge, that they failed to vote for the Bill because it was on a Friday". 

ends