EU kicks off sustainable urban transport campaign

The European Union has launched its annual campaign on sustainable urban mobility in a bid to encourage green daily transport and tackle air pollution. The 12th edition of the European […]

The European Union has launched its annual campaign on sustainable urban mobility in a bid to encourage green daily transport and tackle air pollution.

The 12th edition of the European Mobility Week kicked off yesterday and runs until Sunday under the slogan ‘Clean air – It’s your move!’

With urban traffic a growing source of air pollution, the campaign aims to get more people to change their day-to-day mobility behaviour.

It is encouraging people to play their part by taking public transport, sharing journeys, commuting via bicycle rather than taking the car or even walking.

Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment said: “This year we focus on the impact of our daily choices on air and our health. Cities have a great role to play when it comes to improving options for transport. By raising awareness and offering greener alternatives, cities can become more attractive places for people to live. When it comes to clean air, it’s your move!”

The campaign started in 1998 and runs in September every year, with 2,158 cities representing 147.6 million people registering for the campaign last year. A total of 7,717 permanent measures have been implemented, mainly focusing on infrastructure for cycling and walking, improving transport accessibility and raising awareness about sustainable transport behaviour.

Eleven local authorities in England last month were awarded grants to upgrade almost 400 local buses in a bid to reduce pollution.

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