Green Machines

There is a neo-puritan strain running through parts of modern society which urges us to live more simply. Looking longingly back to easier and quieter times, it urges us to learn to do without the motor car and the conveniences it brings. This view is sometimes expressed as an aversion not onlyto automobiles, but to economic growth itself. It sees modern technology as the source of insuperable problems, and urges us to dismount the tiger which we have by the tail.

This report derives from the alternative view that the problems derive not from surfeit of modern technology, but a deficiency of it. It seeks to explore how a more advanced technology of a lower level. It endeavours to apply the problem-solving techniques of public policy in order to accelerate the development of a technology which brings answers instead of problems.

The solution looked for is not one which seeks to banish the automobile, but one which seeks to tame it, to humanize it, to make it an acceptable companion of our cities. 

Read the full paper here.

Fast Track Forward

High speed rail networks across continental Europe are developing rapidly, with the liberalisation of Eastern Europe and the unification of Germany. With the French Railways (SNCF) and German Railways (Bundesbahn) looking to expand eastwards. Britain risks being left on the sidelines as an island nation. It must look for innovative ways to rejoin Europe with high speed rail. The Labour Party's policy document "Moving Britain Into Europe - A high speed future for transport" is one possible way of bridging the gap. This paper critically analyses Labour's proposals, examines the controversy surrounding the fixed link, suggests policies for a high speed UK rail network and develops two sets of proposals for high speed services to Europe. It is also calling Government to implement feasibility studies on such proposals or to put forward its own alternatives. 

Read the full paper here