Airports - We Need Green Solutions Not Knee-Jerk Reactions

2.24.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Sep 2004

Traveling by air should be taxed in the same way as traveling by car. That is the proposal of Richard Allanach, the Liberal Democrat's prospective candidate for Rugby & Kenilworth.

"Air travel consumes scarce fossil fuels, contributes to air pollution, noise pollution and global warming" he says. "For all these reasons cars, buses and lorries have their fuel taxed. But the fuel burnt by aircraft escapes taxation."

"In recent years we have seen intense controversy over plans for a new airport in Rugby and an expansion of airport activity at Coventry" he said. "Now we need to create long-term green solutions to the problems caused by rapidly expanding air travel. It is grossly unfair that when I travel in my private car from Rugby to Edinburgh my fuel is taxed and yet if I was able to afford a private jet and fly I would completely escape taxation on my fuel. Flying has a greater impact on the environment than traveling by bus or car."

"This week Warwick District Council will be struggling with the complex problems presented by the planning application for Coventry airport. I wish we could see the same sense of urgency from our national government. Tony Blair should be working with our neighbours in Europe to introduce a new international tax on air fuel." he added.

Contact Richard Allanach 07749 922048 for further details