ENVIRONMENTAL pressure group Transport 2000 has published its proposals for a national roads strategy to take Britain into the 21st century. The document is the first of many in what is likely to be a protracted debate over the future status of the car in the UK.

After years of railing against the company car, the organisation is now focusing on how we can make better use of our existing road network. Transport 2000's priorities include better road planning rather than piecemeal construction, precedence to bus or rail alternatives where appropriate, better road maintenance and road management, and better road finance.

There are no specific criticisms of the company car, but the report calls for a 'fair' taxation which doesn't encourage drivers to cover more miles, and taxes on private parking at work. The group also calls for action against employees who use the car to commute to work, increased car parking charges and reduced availability of spaces, charges for driving into towns and permits for essential users in congested areas.