Transport NGOs say ‘it’s time to get a shift on’ on World Car Free Day

September 23, 2024

Eight national NGOs working to advance sustainable, inclusive transport and travel are shining a light on the huge social, economic and environmental benefits of shifting away from car-dominated travel and car dependency, on World Car Free Day (22 September).

Gathering in Liverpool as the Labour Party Conference gets underway, the Sustainable Transport Alliance is asking policy and decisionmakers across the political spectrum and at all levels of government, to recognise the environmental imperative and socio-economic benefits of shifting journeys away from private cars, and the change in approach needed to enable this.

Following new government statistics showing the rising dominance of the private car, with 78 per cent of miles travelled in England now car-based,^[i] and a gaping ‘mobility divide’ emerging,^[ii] the Sustainable Transport Alliance is underlining that:

Transport is the UK’s biggest source of emissions, most from cars and vans;^[iii]
Modal shift is shown to be essential to avoiding climate breakdown, while cutting air pollution and traffic, and is needed rapidly;^[iv]
Three in 10 adults don’t have a car, and nearly half amongst those on the lowest incomes, disabled people and Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups;^[v]
Low-income and marginalised groups and disabled people travel far less, and will gain the most from boosting accessible alternatives to private car use;^[vi]
Investing in public transport, active travel and other sustainable travel modes boosts local business and employment, and offers huge economic returns.^[vii]

Further evidence and sources can be found in this compiled evidence sheet.

Drawing on its members’ extensive work empowering communities on sustainable travel across the UK, the Sustainable Transport Alliance is welcoming the new Government’s transport priorities, and calling for a comprehensive, integrated transport strategy, including modal shift targets and a mode share pathway, increasing the role of public, community and shared transport and active travel.

It is highlighting that strong leadership, and empowering and enabling local leaders and communities, is key to achieving an equitable, healthy transport future.

The Sustainable Transport Alliance comprises: Bus Users UK; Campaign for Better Transport; Community Rail Network; Community Transport Association; CoMoUK (for shared transport); Cycling UK; Living Streets; and Sustrans. They represent, support and facilitate more than 4,500 community groups, organisations and initiatives, and wide-ranging research, innovation, policy, infrastructure, transport services and engagement initiatives across the public, private and third sectors.

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, who chairs the Alliance, said:

“We’re optimistic about the new government’s core ambitions for transport, and early indications of the alternatives to private car use being given greater priority.

“But there is much to do, shifting mindsets as well as policies, to enable the modal shift we need and open-up public and community transport, active travel and shared mobility to all.

“It’s a huge challenge that we’re encouraging policy and decision-makers at all levels to get behind, at pace, to help avoid climate breakdown. But it’s exciting too: there’s so much benefit that can be unlocked from a less car-dominated, more equitable transport system, in terms of employment, business and local economies, safe streets, healthy lifestyles and clean air, and everyone being able to access the opportunities they want. It’s time to get a shift on.”

The Sustainable Transport Alliance is also today releasing a briefing highlighting how its members are contributing powerfully to the new government’s five core transport priorities, while showing how more can and needs to be done. See briefing paper here.