Businesses to go green..

New planning rules are to be drawn up in a bid to boost the number of businesses which use renewable energy, the government has announced.

It hopes that less red tape will encourage businesses including shops, post offices and pubs to install 'green' technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines.

Environmental and planning consultancy Entec will look at ways of making it easier to install such equipment, which the government says at present can lead to increased costs and lengthy delays.

It is estimated that 30 to 40 per cent of the UK's electricity could be met by installing microgeneration equipment to all types of building by 2050. At present commercial buildings account for 18 per cent of carbon emissions.

Businesses currently hoping to install new green technologies face costs of up to £1,500 for a planning application, which can take eight to 16 weeks to be considered by councils with no guarantee of approval.

Communities secretary Hazel Blears has asked Entec to see whether it would be feasible for renewable energy equipment to be included as 'permitted developments' so that they would not need specific planning permission.

She said that the plans could be part of the means to achieving a zero-carbon culture.

"This government is committed to bringing forward changes that will allow us to tackle the growing challenge we face in climate change," Ms Blears added.

"Whether it is your local supermarket, pub or the place where you work, green technology could soon be playing a big role in powering the building whilst cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills too."
( Source:- Adfero)

Highways Agency (National)

'bag it and bin it!' Highways Agency launches campaign to fight litter on England's roads

The Highways Agency today launched its campaign to fight the problem of litter on roads across England, part of its commitment to protecting the environment.

The 'Bag it, Bin it' campaign has support from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Drivers are being encouraged to pick up a Highways Agency litter bag to put rubbish in and dispose of it in a bin when they reach their destination - rather than throwing it from a car window.

With many people out on the roads during the holiday season, litter can build up and may often block drains. Not only is litter unsightly and a threat to the environment, but clearing rubbish from roadside verges and central reservations puts the workers at risk of injury from moving traffic and diverts resources away from road maintenance and repairs.

The Highways Agency campaign is supported by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), and their new president, Bill Bryson, who has placed litter at the top of his agenda.

Highways Agency "Bag it and Bin it" litter bags can be found in service stations across the country.

Highways Agency Chief Executive, Archie Robertson, said:

"This unsightly and environmentally damaging problem is a big concern for us. Money spent on clearing litter thrown from vehicles could be better spent in reducing congestion and improving safety."

"Working on or next to fast moving traffic is a dangerous job. People are putting themselves at risk clearing the litter thrown from vehicles. We want all road users to think about the consequences of littering. Please keep your rubbish with you, pick up one of our bags, and dispose of it safely and sensibly when you reach your destination."

Notes to editors

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.

2. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is available:
* From the web at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).
Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.

3. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)

Safe driving at roadworks

During 2006 two workers were killed and 19 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.

For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, when you are approaching roadworks:

* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety.
* Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching.
* Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks.
* Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering roadworks.
* Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front.
* Observe all signs - they are there to help you.