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Key Drivers
Transport is an essential part of life, providing mobility and transporting goods. But poor or inappropriate transport systems also contribute to poor air quality (noise and pollution) due to congestion and lack of alternatives to the car. The worst impacts are felt in built up areas. Poor air quality and a build up of traffic can have adverse impacts on health (increase in road traffic accidents; and respiratory impacts affecting the very young, elderly and vulnerable groups); social inclusion (lack of public transport issues will reduce people’s access), and on overall quality of life.
Transport also has a significant impact on climate change. It is the biggest single energy user in the UK, and is one of the major sources of emissions of carbon dioxide. Emissions from transport have more than doubled since 1970, and now account for 28% of total UK emissions. Emissions from private cars have increased by 8.5% since 1990, while over the same period road traffic volume increased by 18.5%¹.
For all of these reasons, there is now a strong emphasis on improving the efficiency of use of our transport modes and of minimising inappropriate use of polluting vehicles. Many local authorities actively promote alternative modes of travel instead of the car, such as buses, trains, cycling, car sharing etc. Many companies also support company-wide travel schemes which aim to reduce their impact on the environment as a result of their transport activities.
Many FE providers are also actively initiating transport plans. The rationale for implementing travel plans covers a wide range of areas, but particularly the need to provide access for all as well as reducing the environmental impacts of travel. There are a number of factors encouraging the development of these types of plans:
Transport also has a significant impact on climate change. It is the biggest single energy user in the UK, and is one of the major sources of emissions of carbon dioxide. Emissions from transport have more than doubled since 1970, and now account for 28% of total UK emissions. Emissions from private cars have increased by 8.5% since 1990, while over the same period road traffic volume increased by 18.5%¹.
For all of these reasons, there is now a strong emphasis on improving the efficiency of use of our transport modes and of minimising inappropriate use of polluting vehicles. Many local authorities actively promote alternative modes of travel instead of the car, such as buses, trains, cycling, car sharing etc. Many companies also support company-wide travel schemes which aim to reduce their impact on the environment as a result of their transport activities.
Many FE providers are also actively initiating transport plans. The rationale for implementing travel plans covers a wide range of areas, but particularly the need to provide access for all as well as reducing the environmental impacts of travel. There are a number of factors encouraging the development of these types of plans:
- Reducing congestion including implications of current or future congestion charging.
- Health - encouraging walking and cycling.
- Cost savings.
- Legislation.
- Improved public image education, awareness.
