The Government says it wants to reduce traffic and build less roads. But there are powerful forces out there that want more roads and more traffic.
   A number of strategic transport studies have been commissioned by the Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions (DETR).
   These 'Multi-Modal Studies' are looking at the possibilities of reducing traffic, and shifting journeys from cars and lorries to more sustainable modes: rail, bus, walking, cycling.
   Transport campaigning groups, including FOE, have been involved in these studies - alongside the 'bigger roads' lobby.
   For details see the Government Office website.

There are three Multi-Modal Studies affecting the Nottingham area:

• The M1 Corridor study covers Junctions 21 to 30, and the area from A1 to A38/A61. Although it was set up to study North-South movements, it has found that a lot of congestion is due to East-West journeys using the motorway for short distances. It also found over half of people want cheaper, better train services and only 19% want to widen the M1. (See the consultants' website or email them.)
• A453 study (Nottingham to M1 Junction 24) - See website, or email the consultants.
• Nottingham to West Midlands - this has not yet started, though a study group has been set up.