Driving people to greener travel

摘要

The credit crunch is giving council leaders plenty to ponder. Rising food and fuel prices and the turmoil in the housing market mean our residents have less money in their pockets. This is certain to have a knock-on effect on town hall budgets, and we all need to plan accordingly. However, as always, where there are threats, opportunities appear. Economic conditions have never been more favourable for promoting greener travel and encouraging residents to reduce their reliance on the car. The last decade has seen a growing public awareness of how behaviour and, in particular, the way we travel, can damage the environment. Similarly, hard-hitting health campaigns are gaining ground, as more people are aware of the need to adopt active lifestyles. Add the recent financial pressures, and the moons are now aligning for local and central government to drive home the message that changing the way you travel has huge health and environmental benefits, and will lighten the load on your wallet.