Reducing private car use is ‘crucial’ as experts push for ‘innovate measures’

Silviya Barrett, head of policy and research at the Campaign for Better Transport said traffic congestion was “bad for health” and “bad for business”. She has backed the use of “innovative measures” to reduce car use in a blow for petrol and diesel owners. 

Ms Barrett added the group had welcomed Mayor Sadiq Khan’s actions aiming to achieve “traffic reduction and decarbonisation” in the city.

She said: “Traffic congestion is bad for our health, bad for business and bad for the planet.

“So it is crucial that we keep up efforts to reduce car use in the capital to ensure a green recovery.

“Making more journeys by public transport and active travel is key to tackling congestion and cleaning up London’s air – as well as helping to reduce carbon emissions.

READ MORE: Sadiq Khan calls on UK drivers to ‘significantly reduce car use’

He claims pollution leads to 4,000 Londoners dying early each year.

Mr Khan said: “Whilst we have made huge strides in increasing walking and cycling in London throughout the pandemic, car use has remained consistently high.

“If we do not double down on our efforts to deliver a greener, more sustainable future we will replace one public health crisis with another – caused by filthy air and gridlocked roads.”