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Transport
There's too much traffic on our roads. Traffic causes pollution and congestion, and vehicle emissions contribute to climate change.
Road building and widening to cater for more traffic has been tried before and isn't the answer.
Interesting fact: The average car in Ireland travels 24,400 km a year - 70 per cent higher than Germany, 50 per cent higher than the UK and 30 per cent higher than the USA.
So what are the alternatives?
Many people can't afford a car or are unable to run a car, especially the elderly and people with disabilities. Our car culture excludes these people and makes travel difficult.
Of course, tackling transport problems alone won't prevent social exclusion, but it can help.
Alternatives include:
- Better public transport
- More bus and train services, better reliability, more bus lanes and low-floor vehicles.
- Safer streets for cycling and walking
- Lower speed limits in residential areas, safer walking routes and improved cycle routes.
Ca
mpaign demand:
- Communities need better local public transport, safer streets and cycling routes - not more cars.
Images © Translink, Declan Allison/Friends of the Earth
