Clean Air Society supports new bill

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 11

Clean Air Society supports new bill

The Clean Air Society emerged on Wednesday as a supporter of the proposed petrol tax. In a statement issued by an executive member. Dr H. G. Daellenbach, the society said the tax was a step in the right direction, although it constituted only a token amount toward covering the social cost of air pollution by the internal combustion engine.

“The cost associated with the automobile in the form of air pollution, reduced property values in residential areas along busy thoroughfares. and the enormous sums lost annually by car accidents is staggering. Not to talk about the disagreeable odour of car exhaust in city centres and the despoliation of the countryside by motorways,” the statement said. “Any user of an automobile or truck should be willing to pay for this social cost.” The major portion of any tax moneys raised locally through the tax should be used to counteract the social cost of the automobile, it said. The funds should be

used for various projects, including:—

The improving of public transport as an alternative to the use of private motor cars. Extending of routes and even the provision of free transport was suggested. The construction of more city parks to create more green spaces, and the provision of free car parks at suburban bus terminals. The commissioning of traffic plans to minimise air pollution, possibly including banning cars from city centres. The monitoring of car exhausts in cities, particularly for carbon monoxide and lead pollutants. The statement also urged the creation of special bicycle lanes on major roads.