According to the US Environmental Protection Agency driving a vehicle is the most polluting thing that most of us do. They emit millions of tonnes of pollutants each year.

Pollution control measures have drastically reduced emissions per vehicle in the last 20 years. However, during that time the total miles travelled has doubled. This has resulted in higher levels of air pollutants in many parts of the country. E.g. Newcastle.

Motor vehicles generate 4 major pollutants. Hydrocarbons Nitrogen oxides Carbon Monoxide Carbon dioxide

Hydrocarbons These react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight and elevated temperatures to form ground level ozone. It can cause eye irritation, coughing, shortness of breath and lead to permanent lung damage.

Nitrogen Oxides These also contribute to the formation of ozone and contribute to the formation of acid rain, and to water quality problems.

Carbon monoxide In urban areas motor vehicles are responsible for as much as 90% of CO in the air. It is a colourless odourless deadly gas. It reduces the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream, and can impair metal functions and visual perception.

Carbon dioxide Traps the earth’s heat, and leads to global warming.

What can motorists do to help?? reduce the miles travelled travel at steady speeds keep vehicles in good running condition. Not topping off the tank when refuelling using clean fuels going with newer, less polluting cars

Sustainable Travel Demonstration Towns In 2004, for Transport selected Darlington, Peterborough and the Department Worcester as Sustainable Travel Demonstration Towns (STDT). The had to promote walking, cycling and public transport, and cut down on car use. The local authorities were awarded a share of £10 million revenue and funding to support 5 year programmes.

The charity Sustrans where commissioned in 2004 to undertake a extensive programme of travel behaviour research in each of the STDTs. They also gave support to local decision makers, and provided a base line to which they could measure changing travel behaviour.

The aims were to provide: a comprehensive database of personal travel behaviour a comprehensive database of personal travel behaviour an assessment of public attitudes towards, and perceptions of, local transport issues. an assessment of public attitudes towards, and perceptions of, local transport issues. A detailed analysis of the potentials for increasing levels of walking, cycling and use of public transport. A detailed analysis of the potentials for increasing levels of walking, cycling and use of public transport.

Carbon emissions from air travel Since 1990, there has been an 85% increase in the amount of pollutants released by the air line industry. Since 1990, there has been an 85% increase in the amount of pollutants released by the air line industry. Airlines don’t pay tax on fuel, unlike road uses. Airlines don’t pay tax on fuel, unlike road uses. Flights are becoming cheaper so more people fly more frequently Flights are becoming cheaper so more people fly more frequently 1200 flights leave Heathrow Airport each day (1 every 2 mins) 1200 flights leave Heathrow Airport each day (1 every 2 mins)

Governments have done very little to reduce the environmental impacts of air transport, though it is just as important as recycling and using energy efficient appliances. Governments have done very little to reduce the environmental impacts of air transport, though it is just as important as recycling and using energy efficient appliances. Limiting action needs to be taken, as the air travel industry is extremely unsustainable. Limiting action needs to be taken, as the air travel industry is extremely unsustainable.

Alternatives Less polluting methods of transport should be invested in e.g. rail travel. Less polluting methods of transport should be invested in e.g. rail travel. Air passengers should be charged more to pay for the damage to the environment. Air passengers should be charged more to pay for the damage to the environment. Airline funding and support from governments needs to be cut back and invested in greener forms of transport. Airline funding and support from governments needs to be cut back and invested in greener forms of transport.