Dozens of civil society groups have urged the UK government to do more to promote cycling and walking. This call follows this summer’s extreme heat, which they say highlights the urgent need to decarbonise the transport sector.
The organisations, including the Campaign for Better Transport, stated that this summer's heatwaves and wildfires are “immediate, real-world manifestations of the climate emergency.” They emphasised that transport is responsible for more carbon emissions than any other sector in the UK, making its reform an urgent priority. Last year, domestic transport accounted for almost a third of the UK’s net greenhouse gas emissions, with a 2% increase over the previous year.
Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, explained that the groups are calling for a “modal shift” in transport provision. This involves creating conditions that allow people to travel a higher proportion of their trips by walking, cycling, public transport, and shared mobility, rather than by private cars. The intervention, signed by 54 civil society organisations, also seeks targets to increase freight carried by trains.
The Department for Transport responded by stating it is focused on providing people with better alternatives, rather than restricting travel. A spokesperson mentioned initiatives such as lowering the bus fare cap to £2, freezing rail fares, and investing £4.5 billion in cycling and walking. The department also highlighted its efforts to accelerate the UK’s transition to cleaner transport through its zero-emission vehicle mandate, backed by £7.5 billion.