TRAVEL in East Lancashire is already part way to realising the vision of John Prescott, claims Lancashire County Council leader Coun John West.

The Deputy Prime Minister has announced that he wants fewer people driving cars and more people on public transport, cycles or on foot.

And Coun John West says the county has already begun several initiatives under its "TravelWise" plan which meet the criteria set down by Mr Prescott.

Measures include:

Involvement in the EuroSPIN project to provide passenger information over the Internet.

The setting up of safer routes to school in Burnley and soon be implemented in other parts of the county.

The ongoing county-wide consultation process on rural transport.

Closer partnerships and more co-operation with bus operators to improve travel infrastructure in the county.

The distribution of a leaflet to 3,000 Lancashire businesses explaining how alternatives to the car can save money and increase effectiveness.

County Coun West said: "The county council began TravelWise three years ago and started the long process of improving the transport infrastructure while encouraging people to use cars less.

"TravelWise also promotes the use of public transport, cycling and walking."

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