In Britain, we have fewer cars than in most other countries in the European Union, but we drive more miles and use public transport far less. Our roads are among the most congested. The convenience of the car is eroded by congestion and driving itself is increasingly stressful. As traffic emissions grow, we are even changing the very climate of our planet. The mood is for change.
Business is concerned about congestion undermining competitiveness.
People are worried about pollution and noise, the erosion of the countryside and the threat to their health and the wider environment. Road traffic is adding substantially to the local air pollution that is damaging health and hastens the death of thousands each year. In the UK, road transport is also the fastest growing contributor to climate change - the greatest environmental threat facing the international community.