Transport benefits

Sustainable transport improves our health and quality of life as well as helping to combat climate change through reduced carbon emissions.

It therefore contributes to multiple objectives and targets such as better air quality, reduced congestion, reduced obesity and carbon reduction.

Better quality of life

Sustainable transport improves our quality of life by:

• reducing congestion
• reducing traffic noise
• improving air quality
• humanising streets
• creating spaces for social interaction
• improving accessibility for all.

Healthier community

Sustainable transport improves our health and wellbeing by:

• reducing road traffic injuries through less (and slower) road traffic
• improving physical and mental health through increased walking and cycling
• increasing active play through safer streets and public spaces
• reducing respiratory diseases through reduced air pollution.

Stronger local economy

Sustainable transport improves the local economy by:

• reducing traffic congestion
• improving property values
• improving accessibility and custom for local businesses
• encouraging local food production
• helping recruit high quality employees.

Protection from climate change

A sustainable transport policy mitigates climate change by reducing carbon emissions

A sustainable transport policy helps adapt to climate change by:

• planning for severe weather events and flooding when developing infrastructure
• designing transport hubs, bus shelters, cycle parks and walking routes to provide shelter, cooling and shade.