In London, transport is the largest source of pollution contributing to 50 percent of all NOx, PM10, and CO2 emissions. The UK government has set a target to reduce emissions by 10 percent by 2010, and the Mayor has adopted this target for London. Through promoting sustainable travel measures, companies and individuals can help to meet this target.

 

Healthy travel is also a part of travel plans. Physical inactivity remains a major problem with only 37 per cent of men and 25 percent of women taking the recommended 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week British Heart Foundation. They also recommend walking 10,000 steps a day, a target which can be achieved by walking and cycling for short trips and combining walking or cycling with public transport for longer trips.

 

Commuting journeys in the morning and evening peaks contribute most to the congestion that part of London experiences every working day. These journeys aren’t just car-based, but also impact buses, tube and train networks. A travel plan can help to ease pressure on all these transport networks.

 

The Mayor’s Transport Strategy acknowledges that individuals and organizations can contribute towards making travel in London less environmentally damaging, more comfortable and more efficient, through changing their behavior. The Strategy states that “employers will be encouraged to establish travel plans, to inform employees of the options available, and address issues such as parking provision, location decisions and lack of facilities for cyclists”.