Alliance Programme for
Health, Peace and Social Justice
6. Transport And Telecommunication
The emphases arising from our energy policy will have direct impact on transport policy.
Promoting and introducing renewable fuels. It is untenable that a handful of countries already offer fuel station networks with environmentally friendly hydrogen energy, which facilitates transport at a fraction of the cost of petrol and diesel, while this remains unavailable in most other countries. The further development of this technology and realisation of a fuel station network for hydrogen energy will be promoted with all urgency. As a transitional stage, so-called hybrid technologies should be promoted, allowing the combined concept of traditional fuels and hydrogen.
Promoting local and long-distance public transport. In the transport field local and long-distance public transport must be promoted as opposed to private cars. Public transport companies should no longer focus on their stock-exchange and shareholder value but instead serve passenger interests. Private goods transport, which has become an unsustainable burden on the roads network and the environment, can and must be shifted to the railways.
No health risks from mobile phone radio waves. There are increasing indications that mobile phones and widespread development of the mobile phone network is associated with considerable health risks. We will intensify independent and public research into the health risks of this technology. As long as no long-term studies on the consequences of such technologies have been completed, strict regulations should be put in place as a preventive measure. In particular no transmission masts should be erected in the vicinity of nurseries, schools, hospitals and similar institutions. Citizens and local authorities must be informed of the evident risks of this technology, and must have a say in determining the siting of mast equipment. In this sphere too, the common good of all people must come before the self-interest and profits of individual company groups.