Green transport campaign launched

A campaign aimed at encouraging people across Northern Ireland to think about alternative "green" ways to travel has been launched by regional development minister Peter Robinson.

The minister said he was supporting the Green Transport Campaign because he was "anti-congestion" and not "anti-car".

"It is one of my priorities to provide the public with a viable alternative to the love affair with the car," he said as the venture was launched at Parliament Buildings at Stormont .

"Resources are only one aspect of the transport agenda. Mindsets, attitudes and lifestyle choices are also key considerations and a year-long campaign promoting green transport is a good place to start."

The campaign spearheaded by Mr Robinson's regional development department is scheduled to last for 12 months.

Organisers have said they hope it will encourage people to practice alternatives to help reduce congestion and pollution.

They said that people should be encouraged to plan travel more sensibly and use alternatives means, including walking and cycling.

Other "green" alternatives include using cleaner power and fuels and regularly maintaining vehicles.