Greener Vision TKH Page 14

Should the PM even contemplate cutting fuel duty?

Published on: 27th August 2019 by Claire Haigh.

The UK has committed to a target of net zero emissions by 2050. However, speculation of an early general election in the weekend’s papers was accompanied by speculation that fuel duty would be cut in an emergency budget next month. At a time when “hottest year” records are now broken as a matter of routine,…

Transport for New Homes: a checklist to assess new developments

Published on: 14th August 2019 by Stephen Joseph.

The Transport Knowledge Hub has done great work in highlighting the disconnect between sustainable transport and the location of new development. Now campaigning group Transport for New Homes has come up with a new checklist which can help assess new housing proposals on what their impact on the transport system will be, and whether the…

A call to action for every planner, transport planner, engineer and politician!

Published on: 11th July 2019 by Lynda Addison.

For well in excess of 30 years we have understood the close relationship between the location of development and the way people travel. We have also been aware of the importance of “minimising the need to travel” and “increasing the use of sustainable modes of travel”. But look at the reality of what has been…

Let’s change our mindset and work together to create great new development

Published on: 11th July 2019 by Stephen Bennett.

It is often claimed that new development provides an economic boost – but designed badly and it can simply lead to more car dependence and more congestion, which in turn impacts on the local environment, on air quality and on carbon emissions. So, can we have the development without these negative impacts? Transport planners wrestle…

Matching fine words with actions

Published on: 5th July 2019 by Claire Haigh.

Last week Parliament passed legislation to commit the UK to net zero emissions by 2050. For those of us who have been campaigning for Government to make climate change a much higher priority this was a big step forward. Whilst it could be argued that the target should be earlier than 2050, it nevertheless puts…

Let’s plan for the future, not for now

Published on: 3rd June 2019 by Naomi Green.

In strategic transport planning, discussions about the future are at the forefront of our minds. Infrastructure projects need to be designed to reflect how they will be used at the time of their completion. No one can doubt that, with the pace of change in technology, data, consumer expectations and our relationship with the environment,…

How transport appraisal guidance is failing cities

Published on: 3rd June 2019 by Matt Whearty.

Helping city economies to grow means focusing investment on intra-city trips in future That transport helps city economies to grow is not in doubt; transport connects workers with jobs, connects people to leisure activities where they can spend money, and allows for goods to be transported to and around the city. But current appraisal guidance…

Building more inclusive and sustainable communities

Published on: 15th May 2019 by Claire Haigh.

If we’re serious about achieving net zero every aspect of how we do things is going to have to change. And nowhere is this more the case than in how we tackle our housing crisis. The decisions we make now will determine the foundations we lay for our communities for generations to come. There is…

I will if you will

Published on: 8th May 2019 by Claire Haigh.

Who can fail to be affected by the school strikes and climate change activism of Extinction Rebellion? Whilst some have criticised their tactics, few disagree with their objectives. Evidence of global warming is irrefutable. The five hottest years on record have occurred over the past decade, and the incidence of flooding, fires and hurricanes is…

Developing a truly sustainable transport strategy for the South East

Published on: 3rd April 2019 by Rupert Clubb.

In the first few months of this year I’ve spent a significant portion of my time talking to stakeholders – politicians, transport operators, business leaders, sometimes journalists – about Transport for the South East. Almost every time, I’ve been asked the same question: “So, what’s your ‘big scheme’?” It’s a natural thing to ask. Building…

The evolution of Birmingham Moor Street – where the past and future meet

Published on: 3rd April 2019 by Maria Machancoses.

Over the years, many of Birmingham’s beautiful, historic buildings have been lost to the bulldozers. New Street and Snow Hill stations were, until the 1960s, fine examples of classic Victorian architecture, with ornate facades and grand vaulted roofs. Both were demolished to make way for modern replacements that were never going to win any beauty…

Crossrail 2 and sustainable growth

Published on: 5th March 2019 by Tom Copley.

To commuters in London’s north east and south west the news that additional transport capacity is required will be no news at all. Chronic overcrowding is a daily occurrence on the routes into Moorgate, Waterloo and Liverpool Street. Although the belated launch of the Elizabeth line next year will provide some relief for the latter,…