The Transport Problem

For most of us, using a car is essential - individual choice in owning a car is one of our greatest freedoms. Unfortunately, this freedom comes with a price as vehicle emissions can make air quality worse, contribute to acid rain, smog and global warming, and can aggravate health problems such as asthma. Noise, pedestrian safety and congestion are also concerns.

Some Facts About Transport Use

• By 2026, road traffic is expected to have increased by 50% from the current level.
• Sitting in a car can result in you receiving up to three times more pollution than pedestrians.
• A double-decker bus carries as many people as 20 cars, but takes up only a seventh of the road space of 20 cars.
• 9 out of 10 badly polluting vehicles can be fixed within 15 minutes.
• Traffic delays have a total cost of around £15 billion a year.
• If the number of people who regularly cycled went up by 10%, there would be a 4% reduction in heart disease in the UK, resulting in saving the NHS £200 million a year.
• 58% of car trips are under 5 miles and 25% are less than 2 miles.
• 70% of journeys to and from work are made by car.
• Of the total vehicle mileage on Britain's roads, only 1% is actually taken up by buses and coaches.

What You Can Do...

Why not:

• Walk or cycle when you can, not only is it more environmentally friendly but its also far more healthy.
• Catch a train or bus rather than going by car.
• Consider travelling less - are there local shops you can use?
• Share car journeys with family and friends i.e. school runs and car pooling or sharing.
• There will always be times when you have to use your car and there are ways you can make these journeys more environmentally friendly. The following measures will also reduce the cost of running your car.
• Check your tyre pressure - this can reduce resistance, and therefore reduce fuel consumption.
• Choose a car that is fuel efficient e.g. a car that has a low level of energy waste (dealers should have these figures available).
• Driving at lower speeds can significantly lower the level of petrol that you have to use.
• Start the engine only when ready to actually move off.
• Avoid racing starts or slamming on the brakes.
• Keep the weight of your car down, and remove roof racks when not in use as they cause wind resistance, increasing fuel consumption.
• Switch off the engine if you're stuck in traffic - 0 miles per litre is not fuel efficient!
• Avoid the car for very short journeys. During the winter, short car journeys can be very uneconomical as cold weather can make the car consume twice as much petrol.

Finally, when its time to replace your car, remember that waste oil, tyres and batteries can badly harm the environment if simply dumped. Specialist disposal centres can handle these items without harming the environment.