Better transport holds the answer to air pollution crisis
Date published: 18 April 2018
Living Streets
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking has called on Transport for the North, the sub-national transport body which brings together the North’s 19 local transport authorities, to be ambitious and strive to be a leader in active travel and tackle air pollution in its transport plans.
In their consultation response to the draft Transport for the North Strategic Transport Plan submitted on 17 April Living Streets says Transport for the North has the scale to make a real difference over air pollution in the region.
The charity has called on Transport for the North to focus on creating accessible and convenient public transport within and between cities, connected to residential areas and employment centres by a UK-leading network of safe walking and cycling infrastructure.
Jenny Wiles, Director (North), Living Streets said: “Cities across the UK are required by EU legislation and UK High Court rulings to reduce air pollution to legal limits in the shortest possible time. Transport for the North is in a prime position to enable Northern towns and cities to achieve and exceed this aim by transforming how people in the North of England travel.
“Motor traffic is the biggest cause of harmful air pollution, currently attributable to 40,000 premature deaths a year in the UK. Making it possible for people to walk more of their short, everyday journeys is the easiest way to improve air quality.
“During National Walking Month in May, Living Streets encourages people to walk for 20 minutes a day to improve their health and wellbeing. This is more achievable when public infrastructure supports it.
“Transport for the North should ensure housing, key services and public transport hubs are well-connected to each other to allow people to walk more, improving their own wellbeing and enjoying the health benefits of cleaner air.”
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