Government panel upholds residents' demand for traffic control to reduce pollution

Upholding residents' complaints that the government and the public expressway corporation fail to implement measures to cut large vehicle emissions, government mediators on June 26 put forth a proposal to urge the government to take necessary measures, including cuts in the large vehicle traffic volume. The mediation was accepted by both sides.

Residents near the Hanshin Expressway (in Osaka and Hyogo) filed a lawsuit in December 1998 against the government, the expressway corporation, and nine companies related to air pollution. Plaintiffs included many who suffer from illnesses such as asthma apparently caused by air pollution.

Two years later, both sides accepted an out-of-court settlement calling on the government and the public corporation to take steps, including cuts in the traffic volume of large vehicles. However, plaintiffs have pointed to the government's failure to implement the agreement.

In its mediation, the Environmental Dispute Coordination Commission (a Home Affairs Ministry panel) demanded that the state and the public corporation strengthen their trial plans for road pricing, reduce traffic volume, and hold more discussions with residents in order to carry out effective measures to reduce pollution. (end)