Transport plan

The transport secretary has backed the Crossrail scheme in London and moves towards road pricing for motorists.

Alistair Darling announced details of his review of the 10 year transport plan in the Commons on Tuesday.

Government Response: Department of Transport

Alistair Darling, transport secretary, said: "Looking ahead, the challenges we face are clear. As the economy continues to grow, and with increased prosperity, we will want to travel more and the demand for goods from all over the world will grow.

"Our job is to help people travel, not to stop them. The challenge for us is how we meet people's need and wish to do so whilst meeting our environmental aims."

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

John Thurso, transport spokesman, said: "Much is said about the rate of traffic growth and its consequences, but very little attention is given to the causes of that growth.

"It is difficult to see how ministers expect to find the solution, when they don't even understand the problem.”

Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium

David Southwell, director of communications at the London Retail Consortium, said:  "The LRC, the principal trade body for retail in the Capital, welcomes today’s government announcement committing to a joint public-private funding of the Crossrail scheme. This falls in line with one of the LRC’s key policy aims, which supports the development of a sustainable and effective transport system for