How transport policy and procedure can contribute to the health and wellbeing agenda

CIHT has today released a report that discusses how transport policy and procedure can contribute to the health (including mental health) and wellbeing agenda.

The report, produced with support from Peter Brett Associates, involved a review of research, policy and practice by a team of industry practitioners.

A Transport Journey to a Healthier Life

The key findings from the report were:
•    There are opportunities to improve links between transport, health and wellbeing, but progress is being hampered by a lack of strategic integration nationally and joint working locally.
•    The health and wellbeing benefits of transport investment need to be measured in terms of cost and non-monetary values to better influence funding decisions.
•    The local planning system should take more account of health and wellbeing in decision-making.
•    The influence of transport choices on people’s mental health and wellbeing should be emphasised more in policy and practice.
•    The transport sector is failing to take full account of the health and wellbeing benefits of walking.

Sue Percy, CIHT said:

“The UK is facing significant challenges in terms of the health of the nation and the impact that has on wellbeing and quality of life. Whether through problems of increasing obesity, addictions, mental health issues or an ageing population; better health policies, funding and support will be key to improving quality of life.”

“Through this research we have highlighted the need to improve strategic integration nationally and collaboration locally if we are to improve the links between transport, health and wellbeing.”

“It is predicted that the cost to the NHS and society of obesity-related illness will reach £50 billion by 2050.  Reliable, fit for purpose transport infrastructure can positively impact on this significant cost by facilitating uptake of greater levels of active and sustainable travel. The evidence gathered in this report shows that the local planning system must begin to take more account of the role of health and wellbeing if the full benefits are to be realised.”

“CIHT is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Peter Brett Associates on this important area and we would like to record our thanks to all those who took part in the steering group and the wider research.”

Bob Pinkett, Partner, Peter Brett Associates LLP said:

“We were pleased to undertake this research, recognising the growing importance of understanding wider health and social factors that arise when sustainable transport solutions are developed for communities. While transport planners have increasingly recognised the role and benefits of active travel, we are just beginning to see how positive wellbeing outcomes can also be achieved through better design and operation. At PBA, we are finding that the benefits in mental health, as well as physical health, can now be assessed and built into our appraisal, development and delivery of projects.”   

Notes for editors

The full report and associated research can be found at www.ciht.org.uk/wellbeing

Peter Brett Associates

Peter Brett Associates LLP (PBA) is an independent consulting practice of engineers, planners, scientists and economists, delivering development and infrastructure projects on behalf of our clients.
We create value for clients and communities through our projects, and our ambition is to continue to be recognised by our people, clients and peers as a cutting-edge consultancy.

Established in 1965, PBA is active across a variety of sectors throughout Great Britain and Europe, including urban regeneration and renewal, land development, infrastructure, energy, residential and retail. Clients include energy companies, property developers, architects, landowners, retailers, local authorities, regeneration agencies and partnerships, local asset-backed vehicles and government departments.

Today, we employ more than 750 people and operate from 18 locations including Cambridge, Northampton, Birmingham, Doncaster, London, Reading, Oxford, Bristol and Manchester. Our offices across the UK offer a depth of technical skills throughout the UK, with an associated company in Prague that services European markets.

All of our work, from the engineering of landmark buildings and critical infrastructure to the spatial planning and economic evidence in support of development, is evidence-based and informed by a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver construction. We have a strong reputation for taking the initiative to extend our knowledge, seek out opinions, and challenge our methodologies. This open-minded approach to our work is embedded in our culture and our values.

www.peterbrett.com  

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing those who work in the highways and transportation sector.

CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.

CIHT’s membership is drawn from across the transportation practitioner community. CIHT has active members in the consulting, contracting, public and academic sectors spread across the UK and beyond. This unique combination of membership puts CIHT in an unrivalled position to contribute to solving today’s transport challenges

CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:
• offering training, information, professional development and support
• promoting the value added to society by the profession
• being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.