Sustainable travel and environment

Environmentally friendly double decker hybrid Oxford

This section describes the Department’s work to promote initiatives that can reduce congestion, improve local environments and encourage healthier and safer lifestyles. Many of these initiatives are part of the broader cross government agenda for Creating Safer Greener Communities.

Local transport white paper

Local Sustainable Transport Fund

BiofuelsSustainable fieldBiofuels are fossil fuel substitutes. Blended into fossil fuels in small proportions, bioethanol and biodiesel can be safely used in today’s road vehicles.
Low emission vehiclesElectric car on roadPromoting the uptake of the next-generation of ultra-low emission vehicle technologies, electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuelled vehicles.
CyclingbicyclesStrategies for promoting cycling as an alternative form of transport for local journeys.
Travel plansTransport planningA travel plan is a package of measures produced by employers to encourage staff to use alternatives to single-occupancy car-use.
Smarter choicesBike shedSmarter choices are techniques for influencing people’s travel behaviour towards more sustainable options.
European Union's Energy Services DirectiveElectric carThe UK is a signatory to the European Energy End-Use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive (2006/32/EC)- also known as the Energy Services Directive.
WalkingRoad signs schoolPromoting walking as a healthy and more preferable option to the motor car for short journeys.
Aviation environmental issuesPlane wingThis section contains information on various environmental issues including aircraft noise, sleep disturbance and health in aircraft cabins.