Road building has already been discredited as a way of solving transport problems but there is evidence that it also undermines local economies.

Research in America has shown that when new roads are built 80% of money spent goes out of the local economy.

By contrast, for rail and public transport schemes, over 80% of spending money was re-invested and circulated within the local economy.

We can presume that similar forces are at work in Britain.

These figures are quoted in an interesting book called Cutting Your Car Use by Anna Semlyen.

Details of the book are at www.cuttingyourcaruse.co.uk

The book can be obtained from www.greenbooks.co.uk Tel: 01803 863260

Information from Graham Nalty 20.01.03