Traffic system reform could fund fusion power. And more …

As explained here, and developed in an article yet to be published, traffic system reform can not only make roads safe, convivial and less congested, it can provide annual savings of tens of billions. In this Observer exchange, Craig Hitchings asks, “How likely is it that we’ll be able to harness fusion power before we run out of fossil fuels?” Physicist Brian Cox replies, “If we were to invest in it properly, then very likely, because the technology has been proved … The most effective fusion reactor is in Oxford, and it works. The problem is that no one’s demonstrated a commercially viable reactor. That’s why government money is needed – it’s a 20- to 30-year investment … We’re talking single-figure billions.” Cox adds, “Science is the foundation of the global economy – a significant part of it relies on the transistor – there are billions inside every home computer. Earlier this month, Osborne announced funding for science projects, including £50m for research into graphene. More powerful electronics, stronger aeroplanes… pretty much anything you can think of, graphene can improve. A lot of credit goes to the science minister, David Willetts, for making his point over and over again.” So far I’ve drawn a blank with the Cabinet, but if I keep making the point that money spent on traffic control is money misspent, and that reform will solve many of our congestion and road safety problems, as well as provide huge beneficial spending cuts, which among other things could fund fusion power – will anyone listen? David Willetts?