Ministry of silly walks
Article Abstract:
The United Kingdom government aims to encourage people to walk more instead of driving. This is a sensible policy, but the government is also worried that it might be portrayed as anti-car, after having put up gasoline taxes. The National Walking Strategy has been left unpublished, with the document outlining the strategy rewritten a number of times, for fear of criticism. A reversal of the trend to use a car rather than walking would help ease problems related to car usage, and there is potential to do so, since some 25% of car journeys are for under 2 miles.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Keeping all channels open
Article Abstract:
The US Coast Guard is seen as the most cost-effective of US government agencies and have five main roles, which include rescuing vessels at sea and protecting the environment. The Coast Guard is able to enforce law during times of peace, the only military service able to do this, and it is well placed to combat traffic in drugs. It also performs a useful economic role in keeping shipping lanes clear. Coast Guard staff may claim the service lacks leadership, but it is a bargain for its budget.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1998
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Reverse gear
Article Abstract:
British transportation minister, John Prescott, wanted to increase usage of public trasnportation and decrease usage of cars, but this has proved difficult with no major investment in the public transportation system. British spending on transportation is 50% less than in Germany and 35% less than in France in terms of percentages of gross domestic product. Motorists pay four times as much in taxes than the government spends on maintaining and building roads.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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