Let's raise fuel duty to pay for free public transport

Germany is planning to reduce road traffic danger - and especially pollution - by making public transport free. According to German environment minister Barbara Hendricks, “We are considering public transport free of charge in order to reduce the number of private cars. Effectively fighting air pollution without any further unnecessary delays is of the highest priority for Germany.”

The radical measure, due to be implemented by the end of the year, has been spurred by the fact Germany – along with eight other EU members including Spain, France and Italy - have now missed a deadline to meet EU limits on nitrogen dioxide and soot particles produced by diesel engines.

According to the European commission, air pollution across the bloc causes 400,000 deaths and costs €20bn euros in health spending per year.

Greenpeace has called for the free public transport in Germany to be paid for by car manufacturers. After all, there is little doubt that free public transport would create unprecedented demand.

If not the car makers, then how about drivers? Under the principle of polluter pays, how about fuel duty is increased to a level that pays for free local public transport?

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Not only are we Britain's most ethical insurance company, we campaign for sustainable transport. Sometimes that means protesting until a school gets the zebra crossing they've been refused, or running 60 roadshows this year to encourage people out of their cars, or fixing bicycles for free. Supporting this work is easy - you simply have to take out cycle insurance with us, cover that just happens to be excellent.

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