It’s been a slightly quieter time in the media lately what with Christmas happening. But we’ve still been able to get our message across beyond the usual suspects on a number of occasions.
First up I was interviewed by Adrian Goldberg on BBC WM about the fines a lot of drivers are getting for driving in bus lanes. I made the case for bus lanes, and how they were part of an integrated transport system. I added that having clear signage around bus lanes is important, but equally once that’s the case there’s no point having them if they’re not enforced.
We had some coverage in the Birmingham Mail around 20mph limits in an effort to counter the UKIP campaign against the Council’s plans. We countered UKIP by pointing out that 20mph can be good for businesses. Making a safer environment for pedestrians means a shop’s footfall actually increases. Lower speeds also means fewer or less dangerous accidents.
We were also quoted in the Birmingham Post praising the Green Commission’s Carbon Roadmap. We made the point that as always with these things, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. How much and how well will the roadmap be implemented?
Finally at start of the year in the Birmingham Post there was a fantastic feature on air pollution and our Let’s Get Moving campaign. The full page spread detailed the issues around air pollution in Birmingham, where it was worst, the problems with monitoring, and what we’re calling for (more cycling and walking investment) as part of the solution. Campaigns Co-ordinator Robert Pass was quoted several times in the article, really trying to hammer home how much of a health hazard and a silent killer air pollution is.
This was the first time we’ve had a full page spread since John Newson’s one bin bag escapades. Hopefully it won’t be the last time we get coverage of this massively important issue! As always keep your eyes peeled for us in the news again soon!
Friends of the Earth praises Birmingham City Council for pledge to cut carbon emissions: bit.ly/1mhwT6u
“530 people a year” die from air pollution in city: bit.ly/1fQ1ffU
Julien Pritchard
