There was much discussion about the Eddington and Kate Barker reviews.

The Eddington review was thought to be generally disappointing with little that was not already well-known and understood. Essentially, the message seemed to be to make more use of what you already have, road charging was a good idea but some road building and airport expansion should go ahead.

There was little mention of modal switch to combat global warming or the need for land use planning to reduce the need for travel. High-speed rail was down played as largely unnecessary as there were already high-speed links by air from London to Scotland.

The Barker review was considered to be dangerous, particularly from an environmental, traffic generation and social inclusion viewpoint. More out-of-town development should be given the green light and building on green field land approved. Planning procedures should be simplified to speed approval for schemes that provided an economic benefit, as she sees it.

Hugh Ellis will prepare a joint letter from Friends of the Earth concerning the planning issues contained in the Eddington and Barker reviews. It is thought that a number of Department for Transport officials are privately very concerned about the Barker review and its negative effects related to traffic generation and damage to town centres.

Concern is again growing about funding for regional TAR groups. It was suggested the Department for Transport might be approached for Regional TAR work funding and a national event involving all organisations involved with TAR.