20 June: "RED LIGHT FOR ECO TOWN MOTORISTS"

By Catherine Morrow

Eco town residents could be fined for driving their vehicles out of the controversial green settlements, it was announced on Tuesday.

Motorists may also be expected to park their cars on the town perimeters and use green methods to travel like walking or cycling.

The proposals are currently under review by Government ministers, while nationwide eco town criticism continues to grow.

Crucially, many environmental experts believe that the remote positioning of some eco towns will actually contribute to increased car use.

Green Party member Sian Berry said: “A new eco-town can only be another car-based satellite suburb. Even with car clubs, cycle lanes and a top notch bus service, these places are going to be packed out with new roads and, new roads lead to more car use – and more carbon emissions.”

A spokesperson for The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) responded: "To meet our demanding standards, eco-towns must have excellent transport links to surrounding areas, with public transport stops and key community facilities within 10 minutes walk of home. All proposals that do go forward will be rigorously tested under the planning process, and will be subject full public scrutiny."