RCP calls for more funding to support shift to greener transport

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has urged the government to “urgently accelerate funding in support of the shift to zero emissions transport” in its air pollution progress report.

The ‘Reducing air pollution in the UK: Progress report 2018’ recommends that the government commit to new and ambitious targets for reduction in air pollution based on World Health Organisation guidelines.

The RCP states that the government’s 2017 air quality plan was a “missed opportunity” to show the “commitment and leadership required to tackle the UK’s dirty air crisis”.

In its recommendations, the RCP is calling for the introduction of a clean air bill for the 21st century aimed at tackling modern sources of air pollution as well as a UK-wide framework for the expansion of clean air zones in towns and cities, with more funding for their implementation.

In addition, the RCP has urged the government to accelerate funding in support of the shift to zero emissions transport, implementing policies that incentivise low emission vehicles and discourage the use of diesel.

The final recommendation is for an increased investment in active transport by 2020, to at least £10 per capita, as well as promoting safer road design and providing infrastructure and necessary incentives to increase levels of walking, cycling and the use of public transport.