Article: Motorists to be told to take the train

[ozbob]

From The Telegraph (UK)  click here!

Motorists to be told to take the train

Motorists to be told to take the train
Roadside signs urging motorists to let the train take the strain are being considered by the Government, MPs have been told.

The initiative, which is contained as part of the biggest overhaul of traffic signs in 40 years, was unveiled by Mike Penning and Norman Baker, two transport ministers.

Appearing before the Transport Select Committee, Mr Penning described the new signs as a "complete break" from what had gone before.

The "smart" digital signs will provide motorists with a comparison journey times to town centres by rail and car. They will also advise on alternative routes off the motorway which could prove quicker.

Work on the smart signs started under the Labour Government, when it was seen as a way of promoting the low carbon economy.

Under the coalition, the initiative is seen as giving motorists better information, but leaving them to take final decision.

Mr Baker added: "Sometimes drivers will want to switch. If you have a sign saying a rail journey would take half the time of a road journey, people might think of taking the train."

The smart signs are among a series of initiatives being adopted by the Government to improve traffic flow on motorways.

Mr Penning told MPs that the Department for Transport was also looking to cut delays motorists faced after road accidents.

He described the current delays as unacceptable to the transport network and the country's economy.

But the AA was unimpressed. "Persuading drivers that switching from car to rail or coach by signing along the motorway will be hard work and will be ineffectual if over-optimistic messages lead to disappointment when people try to switch," said Paul Watters, the organisation's spokesman.

"We welcome improved modal interchange opportunities but signage alone will not do the trick – there needs to be excellent park-and-ride facilities and high quality frequent services to attract and retain driver support.

"There should also be some car-sharing parking opportunities at key motorway service areas."

However a spokesman for Network Rail welcomed the plans.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Britain's railway now carries twice as many passengers as it did in 1993.

"More and people are recognising that instead of being stuck in a traffic jam you can work productively or just relax and let the train take the strain. Network Rail welcomes this initiative to convince people to take the rail alternative."

[#Metro]

"We welcome improved modal interchange opportunities but signage alone will not do the trick – there needs to be excellent park-and-ride facilities and high quality frequent services to attract and retain driver support.

Signs are a step forward, but you know what, if you have to expend a lot of effort and energy on having to convince people that your system is good, resort to health and low carbon emission arguments, chances are that you are trying to sell rubbish in a nicely branded can. Decent quality frequent and fast services sell themselves. And even the motoring lobby knows that!