The Urban Transport Group – a coalition of seven city region transport authorities – says that NHS related traffic is associated with 753 deaths and 8844 life years lost
from air pollution. It calls on the Government to make policy changes in several areas.

The Group adds that consulting with transport bodies at an early stage would help ensure that any new healthcare sites are well connected to walking, cycling and bus routes and that measures can be put in place to discourage access by car.

Other recommendations made include requiring Highways England and Network Rail to set much clearer strategies for tackling emissions. The Group also asks that Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 is implemented to allow local authorities to enforce moving traffic offences to reduce idling and stop start conditions that can cause congestion and contribute to toxic air.

It also asks Government for consistent funding support to introduce greener buses and to provide leadership for the greening of public service vehicles such as refuse trucks and ambulances.

Urban Transport Group director Jonathan Bray said: “We believe that by making these relatively straightforward and common sense policy changes, Government can provide vital assistance to those who are working at the sharp end of our efforts to reduce toxic emissions from urban transport as rapidly as possible.”

(Photograph: Lana Elcova – Shutterstock)