Transport 2020 - All aboard for another mystery tour

IN these troubled times any initiative that might improve our lot is to be welcomed. If it could make a contribution to fighting climate change and stimulate economic growth it is to be doubly welcomed.

The Government’s Smarter Travel plan, launched yesterday, ticks some of those boxes and will be welcomed by many of those who spend far more time than they, or their waiting families, would wish commuting.

The aim to move 500,000 people from car use to what is termed “more sustainable forms of transport” is entirely laudable. This may be a realistic target for people living in urban areas but how it will help people forced to live scores of miles from their place of work by the lunacy of house prices remains to be seen.