LOCAL environment and transport campaigners have sounded the alarm over moves by Lancaster University to sideline its transport policy. The university's Transport Policy Review Committee has been dissolved in an administrative shake-up and a vital document which outlines an environmentally friendly transport policy has been shelved. Transport 2000, Lancaster Bus Users, the Green Party and other local green groups have written to university Vice-Chancellor, Prof William Ritchie, expressing their deep concern at Bailrigg's complacent attitude.

"As the largest local employer, Lancaster University is the major traffic generator in the district, contributing heavily towards air pollution, congestion, noise and road danger," said Emily Heath, of Transport 2000.

"As a health promoting and environmentally aware institution, they should be taking steps to address its impact upon the local community. This document contained many positive and practical proposals."

Alex Ainsworth of Lancaster and District Bus Users' Group joined the chorus of disapproval.

He said: "The group was pleased to contribute to this document which addressed the problems of over-dependence upon the private car. The university is the recipient of one of the best bus services in Lancashire. They should be encouraging more staff and students to use the bus and lobbying for an improved district-wide bus network."

University academic and Green Party spokesman, Jon Barry, said: "The official university line is that that the transport document is being re-evaluated but as far as I can see this is putting off until tomorrow what should be done today. We need action now."

University spokesman, Vicky Tyrell, explained the transport policy committee was being incorporated into a new estates and buildings committee.

She said: "Some of the transport policy document was considered to be too radical but it wasn't dismissed out of hand. The new estates and buildings committee will be looking into it but it's important to strike the right balance."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.