Reacting to today’s [Tuesday’s] transport statement by Secretary of State Alistair Darling, TSSA said that whilst it welcomed plans for more light rail and tram provision, the focus on road-building was cause for concern.

TSSA General Secretary Richard Rosser said: “Today’s statement must not mean a change in direction for the Government when it comes to promoting public transport and rail use.

“Alistair Darling should be proud that there were no new roads built last year, especially as, in the same year, we saw a new strategic plan from the Strategic Rail Authority and the creation of the new not-for-profit Network Rail.

“Road widening will not ease traffic congestion; it will simply increase pollution and damage the environment. The only sustainable solution is improving public transport so we make fewer car journeys.

“The Government’s ten year transport plan pledge’s a 50% increase in passenger kilometres, reduction in train overcrowding and an 80% increase in freight tonne-kilometres.

“This announcement does little to help the achievement of these objectives because short-term road building is no substitute for long-term rail investment. All bigger roads lead to is increased car use.”