A GOVERNMENT backbench MP has broken ranks to reveal serious concerns about the Government's plans for encouraging alternative transport. Fabian Hamilton (Labour, Leeds North-East) says that, although the Government's intentions are to be welcomed, efforts to get people out of their cars will fail unless public transport is given massive investment immediately.

Speaking at the Green Fleet Awards sponsored by Calor Autogas, Hamilton - who is secretary of the Commons Motoring Club and admits to driving by car from his London home to Parliament 'because public transport simply did not deliver' - says the Government can't combat congestion through legislation. People, including himself, would not use public transport until it promised a quicker, cleaner and cheaper alternative.

But he agrees that something has to be done about pollution. 'My journey by car to Parliament normally takes 30-45 minutes but the other morning it took 80 minutes and, looking at the congestion and the fumes, I could not help thinking about the enormous damage being done to the environment.'