Govt 'should invest in alternatives to air travel'

Cheap ferries, high-speed rail services and other such alternatives to air travel require investment from the government if they are to have an effect, according to Friends of the Earth (FOE).

A spokeswoman for the charity said that schemes such as carbon offsetting are not enough to mitigate the growing impact of aviation on the environment.

She called on the government to oppose plans to expand airports such as Stansted and Heathrow and focus on more environmentally-friendly travel options.

"Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of climate changing emissions in the UK and no amount of carbon offsetting will change that," the spokeswoman said.

"Rather than support the expansion of airports, the government should invest in greener travel alternatives such as high-speed rail links for the UK and short-haul destinations in Europe - and make it cheaper for people to travel this way."

Ferry crossings are becoming increasingly eco-friendly as companies focus on making their new vessels as green as possible.

Brittany Ferries recently unveiled its new luxury ship, Armorique, and stated that one of its attributes will be its fuel efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions.

Dover - Calais

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

29/05/2013 - 29/05/2013

£13

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Dover - Dunkerque

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

30/06/2013 - 30/06/2013

£19

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Dover - Calais

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

05/06/2013 - 06/06/2013

£22

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* Prices are "from prices" and are indicative only

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