Campaigners: Eco-towns boost traffic.

CONTROVERSIAL plans for eco-towns have come under further criticism today from the Campaign for Better Transport.

Campaigners claim eco-towns, including one planned at Middle Quinton in South Warwickshire, will encourage more car use instead of boosting greener travel options.

Their response to the plan calls for eco-towns to be included in or next to existing urban centres instead of being built separately in the countryside, and says substantial areas of eco-towns should be car-free with streets designed to suit pedestrians and cyclists.

The campaign also claims bus provision will not entice eco-town residents out of their cars and urge the government to provide rail links.

Richard Bourn, of the campaign, said: "The government needs to rethink its eco-town ideas at least as far as transport is concerned."