INCREASED congestion on London's streets has resulted in a further decline in traffic speeds thereby underlining the need for a new approach to tackling the capital's transport problems, according to transport minister Gavin Strang.

Latest statistics - published in 'Traffic Speeds in Central and Outer London 1996/7' - reveal that throughout the day the average speed in central London is now 10 miles an hour, a reduction of almost 9% since 1994. In outer London speeds have also fallen and now average 17mph in the morning rush.

Strang said the Government was proving its commitment to providing London with a flagship public transport network by pumping in extra resources and ensuring that the new Mayor of London and elected assembly will have the powers to tackle London's transport problems.

Strang said: 'We need a bold new approach to solve London's transport problems. The Government is committed to providing a public transport network for the capital which will encourage people to leave their cars at home as a matter of choice.'