“Increase fares to pay for clean air”
The “green adviser” to UK prime minister Tony Blair has reportedly stated that the cost of flights to Europe should rise between £1-£5 to make sure the Government meets its target to reduce air emissions.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Jonathan Porritt, chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission, said the price of long-haul flights should also be raised – by as much as £50 – to pay for the pollution caused by aircraft.
He reportedly said that there was no reason why the aviation industry should escape regulations aimed at reducing pollution, despite the Government’s decision to expand air travel significantly over the next two decades.
The Telegraph quotes Porritt as saying: “At no stretch of the imagination can this be described as sustainable transport,” adding that the Government should be “bold”, selling to the public the concept that increases in air travel costs are a good thing because they will help provide “clean air and a stable climate”.
The BBC quotes Porritt as going even further in his criticism of Government policies: “The government has got to develop a far more joined-up approach on aviation. The huge expansion of airports and air traffic outlined in the White Paper will render impossible government efforts to adhere to its own target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025