Road traffic contributes to local air pollution, has damaging health effects and is the fastest growing contributor to climate change. Vehicle exhausts emit pollutants which, for example, contribute to respiratory illnesses and it's not just pedestrians who suffer. In heavy traffic jams, air quality can be poorer inside the car than outside. Car users regularly suffer up to three times as much pollution as pedestrians.

In addition, road transport is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. It is estimated that an average car produces 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year - that's 3 times its own weight yet carbon dioxide is one of the causes of global warming. Whilst technological advances have improved engine efficiency and catalytic converters reduce the amount of pollutants emitted, the projected growth in car travel will soon outweigh these benefits. Over the next 20 years car traffic could grow by more than a third and van and lorry traffic is forecast to grow even faster.

As more people use their cars, traffic increases, congestion worsens and journey conditions become less pleasant for everyone. The Government is increasingly recognizing the need to address congestion and to reduce the impact of transport on health and the environment. Yet people will always need to travel so what can we do to reconcile this need with the need to protect health and the environment? We need to think about the problems associated with transport and to consider alternatives to the car where possible in order to reduce its overall use.

• Make fewer car journeys - walk or cycle more, it's good for your health and the environment. The shortest journeys cause the worst pollution yet that short journey might be ideal for walking or cycling. Cycling or walking briskly for just half an hour a day can halve the risk of heart disease.
• Keep your car properly tuned and maintained - did you know under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 8%
• Switch off and save petrol and money. Turn off your engine if it's safe to do so especially if you're stuck in traffic for more than 2 minutes
• Use public transport whenever you can
• The Council is also trying to reduce the transport impacts of its own activities through its Environmental Stewardship Strategy.
• Orgainisations can introduce a Travel Plan to encourage staff and visitors to travel other than by single occupancy car.

See also:

• More on Transport and Travel
• Cycling in South Tyneside
• Local Transport Plan