Tag Archive: UK

  1. Rise of ‘carspreading’: concerns over oversized SUVs in UK cities

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    Source: Clean Cities Campaign

    A growing concern over the proliferation of large SUVs in urban areas has sparked calls for higher taxes and parking charges to combat the phenomenon dubbed ‘carspreading.’

    Campaigners argue that these oversized vehicles reduce available street space, increase congestion, and pose safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians.

    Public concerns and survey findings

    A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Clean Cities revealed that 71% of UK car owners believe an increase in SUVs will make parking more difficult, while 59% consider them unnecessary in towns and cities. Despite this, research indicates that three-quarters of SUVs sold in the UK are registered to urban residents.

    Many of these vehicles exceed the dimensions of standard urban parking spaces, creating logistical challenges. Popular models such as the Ford Ranger Raptor, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and BMW X5/X6 all surpass the typical 1.8-meter width of on-street parking bays, exacerbating space limitations.

    SUV sales on the rise

    Despite these concerns, SUV sales reached record levels in 2024, accounting for 62% of new car purchases in the UK, up from 47% in 2020. Analysis by T&E UK shows that over 1.1 million SUVs were sold in 2024 alone, with larger models gaining popularity each year. Furthermore, 60% of UK car owners believe SUVs are more about status than practicality.

    Policy proposals to curb ‘Carspreading’

    Clean Cities and The SUV Alliance, a coalition of 14 environmental and transport advocacy groups, have proposed a five-point plan to regulate oversized SUVs:

    • Adjusting Vehicle Excise Duty to impose higher taxes on larger and more polluting vehicles.
    • Implementing size restrictions for new car sales by 2030 to ensure vehicles fit within urban parking spaces.
    • Following Edinburgh’s example by banning SUV advertisements.
    • Requiring automakers to publish an ‘ecoscore’ for all new electric vehicles.
    • Allowing local authorities to introduce higher parking charges for SUVs and other heavy vehicles.

    International precedents and public engagement

    Paris provides a case study for effective regulation, as recent measures tripling parking fees for SUVs have reduced their use of surface parking by two-thirds. Inspired by such initiatives, Clean Cities has urged the public to share examples of ‘carspreading’ on social media using the hashtag #carspreading.

    Jillian Anable, Professor of Transport & Energy at the University of Leeds, expressed concerns about the long-term impact of oversized SUVs: “I believe we will look back with disbelief at how we allowed larger and larger vehicles to take hold. SUVs require more land to park them on, more materials to produce them with, more road space to drive them along and more fuel to travel the equivalent distance by smaller vehicles. Even electric and hybrid SUVs will delay the transition to Net Zero as their larger batteries require more electricity.”

    As debates around urban mobility continue, policymakers face increasing pressure to address the growing presence of oversized SUVs and its implications for space, safety, and sustainability in UK cities.

  2. The UK government allocates €360 million to local cycling and walking initiatives

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    In collaboration with Active Travel England (ATE), the UK government has announced plans to enhance cycling and walking infrastructure in England, with almost £300 million (€360 million) of funding.

    The plans are for the development of 300 miles (482 kilometres) of new walkways and cycle lanes, benefiting millions of people by promoting safer and more accessible active travel options.

    Funding distribution and key initiatives

    The funding package is strategically allocated to various programs:

    • £222.5 million (€267.3 million) for local authorities to develop and implement walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure, alongside community engagement and training initiatives.
    • £30 million (€36 million) for the Bikeability program, offering cycle training to hundreds of thousands of children.
    • £30 million (€36 million) allocated to Sustrans for improving the National Cycle Network, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
    • £8.5 million (€10.2 million) directed to organizations including Cycling UK, Living Streets, and Modeshift to promote active travel within schools and communities.

    Addressing community concerns

    In response to previous controversies surrounding active travel measures, ATE has introduced new guidance to ensure local authorities incorporate public input when designing transport changes. This approach aims to mitigate concerns and foster community support for infrastructure improvements.

    Health, economic, and environmental benefits

    The government projects that this investment will facilitate 30 million additional cycling and walking journeys annually, including over 20 million walk-to-school journeys. These initiatives are anticipated to reduce the number of sick days by 43,000 per year, alleviating pressure on the NHS while promoting healthier lifestyles. Additionally, the economic impact is estimated at £9 million, benefiting local businesses and improving connectivity.

    Government and local authority endorsements

    Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, emphasized the transformative potential of the funding: “Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one. Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices. This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”

    Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, reinforced the government’s commitment, stating, “Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone. Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part of our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.”

    Greater Manchester’s model for success

    The announcement will be marked by a visit to Greater Manchester, where active travel policies have proven highly successful. Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted the region’s commitment to connecting 95% of residents to high-quality active travel routes, emphasizing Stockport as a model for integrating new developments with sustainable transport.

    Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, welcomed the funding, stating: “As the charity that looks after the National Cycle Network, this funding is a fantastic boost to our work to make the 13,000 miles of routes safer and more accessible for local journeys, whether by foot, cycle, wheelchair or mobility scooter.We can now step-up our work with local communities, many partners and governments across the UK, to make it easier for everyone to walk, wheel or cycle for more journeys, growing local economies, providing easy and healthy access to nature and helping people live well for longer.”

    The ATE remains dedicated to ensuring that new infrastructure projects are implemented efficiently and to high standards, further reinforcing the UK’s commitment to active and sustainable transportation solutions.

  3. CoMoUK responds to Accounts Commission report on sustainable transport in Scotland

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    A UK shared transport charity has issued a response to the Account Commission’s recent assessment on the progress of Scotland’s sustainable transport initiatives.

    The Commission’s findings suggest that the Scottish Government is “unlikely” to meet its ambitious target of reducing car kilometres driven by 20% by 2030, and lacks a clear plan to achieve this goal.

    Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK (Collaborative Mobility UK), expressed disappointment at these findings, stating that they were unsurprising given the absence of a concrete strategy to support the Scottish Government’s admirable target. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that the time lost without a comprehensive action plan was concerning. However, Dilks remained optimistic that, with the right measures, significant progress could still be made.

    Increased car use surpassing active mobility growth

    The report also highlights a concerning trend of increased car use in Scotland following the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with a decline in public transport usage. Despite efforts to promote active travel, such as walking and cycling, the pace of growth in these areas has not been sufficient to offset the rebound in car use. This shift underscores the need for more sustainable transportation alternatives.

    CoMoUK recommendations for promoting sustainable transportation in Scotland

    CoMoUK believes that expanding shared transport services could help mitigate this issue. Dilks pointed out that initiatives like shared bike schemes and car clubs could reduce the demand for private car use, making short trips more accessible and environmentally friendly. Such schemes, he explained, not only contribute to lower carbon emissions and less congestion but also offer substantial physical and mental health benefits for users.

    In response to the challenges identified in the report, CoMoUK has called for an increase in shared transport schemes, including the expansion of car clubs and bike-sharing programs. Dilks further proposed that Scotland could lead the UK by creating a comprehensive network of mobility hubs. These hubs would facilitate seamless integration between various modes of transport, including shared transport, public transit, and active travel options, creating a more interconnected and sustainable transportation system.

    CoMoUK’s comments underscore the critical need for coordinated action to achieve Scotland’s sustainability goals. While the challenges remain significant, the charity’s response suggests that innovative solutions such as shared transport can play a key role in addressing the current gaps and moving towards a more sustainable future.

  4. Amazon expands on sustainable delivery service in the UK

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    Source: Amazon, Cycling Industry News

    Amazon has significantly bolstered its sustainability efforts in the UK by nearing the milestone of one million miles cycled using electric cargo bikes, introducing the country’s largest-ever fleet of electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) and expanding on its rail-based delivery.

    These measures align with Amazon’s broader goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its global operations by 2040.

    Advancing cargo bike and on-foot deliveries

    In the UK, Amazon’s electric cargo bikes are nearing the one-million-mile mark, part of a broader effort that has seen over 150 million deliveries made using electric vans and bikes since 2022. Drivers and riders have cycled over 900,000 miles and driven more than 19 million miles in electric vehicles, transitioning 500,000 delivery routes from traditional fuel vehicles to zero-exhaust emission alternatives.

    Recently, Amazon launched electric cargo bike operations in Belfast and Norwich, adding to hubs in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. On-foot deliveries have also been introduced in central London, supported by carts restocked by electric vans. Developed with local boroughs, these initiatives now cover over 70% of London’s congestion charge zone.

    Scaling up electric transport

    Amazon’s fleet is set to grow with the addition of more than 140 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks over the next 18 months. Once operational, these vehicles will handle over 300 million packages annually without producing exhaust emissions. The company is also installing advanced charging infrastructure, including 360kW fast chargers capable of charging 40-tonne trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour.

    In parallel, Amazon is leveraging the UK’s electric rail network for the first time to transport packages. Products are loaded onto electric-powered trains along routes like the West Coast Main Line, reducing road congestion and emissions. Over 20 million items are expected to move via rail this year, with plans to expand services to additional routes.

    Sustainability and industry leadership

    The Logistics UK trade association has praised Amazon’s efforts to decarbonize freight transport, “Decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges facing the logistics industry, as businesses seek to match the need to move away from a reliance on fossil fuels with pressures from customers to maximise delivery efficiency,” said Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director, Policy, Logistics UK. “Currently, almost 90% of the UK’s freight is moved by road, so it is important that the sector considers alternatively-fuelled vehicles and a shift to different transport modes in order to fulfil demand.”

    Driving change for a cleaner future

    Amazon’s commitment extends beyond logistics innovation to meaningful environmental impact. Nicola Fyfe, EU Vice President of Amazon Logistics, stated, “Decarbonising our transport network is key in helping us achieve our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040 and today’s announcement is an exciting and major step forward for us in this mission. The combination of our – and the UK’s – biggest ever order of eHGVs, the UK’s electric rail network now being used to transport customer packages, and the launch of restocking on the move on-foot deliveries, all alongside our partners’ fleet of electric vans and e-cargo bikes, will help us move more customer orders across our fulfilment network with zero exhaust emissions. This is a win for our customers, the environment and our business.”

    These developments represent forward thinking for green logistics, offering scalable solutions that tackle carbon emissions while improving air quality and reducing road congestion.

  5. UK’s Bicycle Association complains about e-bike misrepresentation in BBC’s Panorama

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    Source: Bicycle Association

    The UK’s national cycle industry trade body, the Bicycle Association, has published their formal complaint to the BBC about the recent coverage of e-bikes and illegal e-motorbikes on the programme Panorama.

    The letter, titled “Complaint: Panorama – E-bikes: the battle for our streets” reads:

    Dear BBC,

    I write for the Bicycle Association, the trade association for the UK cycle industry, representing ca 140 companies, including most of the reputable UK companies who supply safe, fully road-legal e-bikes. These companies include household names and well-known high-street retailers. You can view our full member list here.

    We wish to register a formal complaint about the programme “Panorama – E-bikes: the battle for our streets” presented by Adrian Chiles, broadcast on BBC 1 on the 6th January 2025.

    Our main concerns are:

    • The programme repeatedly conflates the safety and social issues surrounding the use of illegal e-motorbikes with “e-bikes” and fails to make it clear that these issues are overwhelmingly not caused by (road legal) e-bikes. This is compounded by the juxtaposition (without distinction) of footage of both illegal e-motorbikes and road-legal e-bikes, implying that they are one and the same. This misrepresentation is against the public interest and not fair or accurate (hence in breach of BBC editorial guidelines)
    • In the choice of “expert” – an enthusiast with a collection of illegal e-motorbikes, not road legal e-bikes – the programme in effect promoted illegal e-motorbike use. No reputable road legal e-bike supplier or cycle industry representative was featured. No fair balance or representation from the reputable e-bike sector was provided, also in breach of BBC editorial guidelines.
    • It is stated that the laws and regulations around e-bikes are unclear or insufficient. This is factually incorrect – the law is completely clear about what is or is not a road legal e-bike (EAPC). We have an info sheet on this and the Government guidance is also perfectly clear. Any electrically powered two wheeler that is not a road legal e-bike (EAPC), or a properly type approved and registered e-moped/e-motorbike, is an illegal e-motorbike. There are legitimate questions about the extent of enforcement of these rules, but the rules themselves are completely clear.
    • The reputable UK cycle and e-bike industry fully supports all and any measures to enforce the current very clear legislation and to remove illegal e-motorbikes from our streets. We also call for reforms of the food delivery sector to address use of illegal e-motorbikes by delivery riders.

    However, these issues are entirely distinct from the road legal e-bike category, which offers many health and mobility benefits for the general public, including many disabled people.

    We consider that this programme has, by confusing these issues, both failed to properly inform the public and also unjustifiably damaged the road legal e-bike sector through misrepresentation.

    We urge the BBC to:

    • Remove “E-bikes” from the programme title and instead reference “illegal e-motorbikes”.
    • In future programming on this subject, make it fully clear and properly inform the public that e-bikes and illegal e-motorbikes are two entirely separate categories.
    • Provide proper balance when addressing contentious transport issues, including featuring representation by responsible organisations in the sector.

    Yours sincerely,

    Peter Eland

  6. Half of car commutes could be replaced by shared micromobility in England and Wales

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    Source: ZAG Daily

    More than half (56%) of car commutes to work in England and Wales could be replaced by shared e-bikes or e-scooters, according to CoMoUK, a national shared transport charity. This shift could equate to 7.4 million journeys annually, saving one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions — about 1% of emissions from domestic UK travel.

    The findings, published in a report funded by the Foundation for Integrated Transport, explore the untapped potential of shared transport in England and Wales. CoMoUK Chief Executive Richard Dilks identified insufficient funding as the primary obstacle preventing shared transport from achieving these figures.

    The UK gives almost no public subsidy to shared transport, unlike some other nations who are doing much better in this regard,” Richard told Zag Daily. He also highlighted other barriers, such as limited promotion, lack of public awareness, and inadequate prioritization of sustainable transport over private car use.

    CoMoUK’s research combines 2021 Census data with insights from shared transport users. By analyzing how many individuals and households share characteristics with current users, the charity estimated the broader potential for shared transport.

    For bike share specifically, up to 5.1 million commutes to work could transition from cars to bikes — 39% of all work-related trips in England and Wales. This would reduce carbon emissions by 408 kilotonnes and replace 2.4 billion car kilometers annually.

    The report also revealed that 7.2 million households, representing 29% of all households in England and Wales, could feasibly adopt car club memberships. This could reduce car travel by 1.8 billion kilometers each year and remove 1.6 million vehicles from the roads.

    CoMoUK’s Recommendations

    To unlock the full potential of shared transport, CoMoUK outlined seven key recommendations:

    Dedicated funding and policy: Shared transport should be treated as a core element in policymaking and implemented in all UK localities with populations of 100,000 or more.

    Policy clarity: The charity urges the government to legalize e-scooters and support small-scale car clubs, particularly in rural areas. Recent developments, such as the launch of England’s Integrated National Transport Strategy, signal progress, but new Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander must continue this momentum.

    Integration with public transport: CoMoUK calls for investment in an integrated, sustainable transport network, including a national system of mobility hubs. Shared transport must work in harmony with public transit and active travel options to achieve its potential.

    Rural accessibility: Focus on rural areas with suitable infrastructure for e-bikes and e-scooters, ensuring these regions aren’t left behind in shared transport initiatives.

    Transport and spatial planning coordination: Align shared transport with broader transport and urban planning policies for seamless implementation.

    Financial incentives: Introduce tax breaks, subsidies, and financial incentives to make shared transport more accessible, such as a national “mobility credits” rewards scheme.

    Expansion targets: Set measurable goals, benchmarks, and timelines to monitor and drive the growth of shared transport options.

    Richard Dilks emphasized that shared transport must become a central part of the UK’s transport strategy. “Embedding it [shared transport] in the existing public transport system, factoring it in alongside active travel options, and also focusing outright on how it can be expanded nationally,” he said.

  7. Cycle journeys in London have increased by 26% since 2019

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Recent statistics from Transport for London (TfL) indicate a 26% rise in the number of cycling trips since 2019.

    According to TfL’s latest Travel in London report, the capital sees approximately 1.33 million cycling journeys each day, marking a 5% increase from the 1.26 million daily trips recorded in 2023.

    This surge in cycling activity coincides with the expansion of London’s Cycleway network, which has now exceeded 400 kilometers, more than quadrupling its length since 2016 and surpassing the length of the London Underground.

    It’s a significant increase in cycling that defies national trends,” stated Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, in an interview with Zag Daily. “What it shows is that all the actions and policies like the expansion to Cycleways, the Mayor’s Healthy Streets approach and the Vision Zero strategy are working in terms of getting more people cycling.

    The most substantial growth was observed in central London, where cycling journeys rose by 11.6% between 2023 to 2024. Inner London experienced a 4.2% increase, while outer London saw a 3.8% rise.

    In October, eight Cycleways were expanded in London, and Transport for London (TfL) introduced 20 new Cycleway routes during the 2023/24 period. Currently, 27.4% of Londoners live within 400 meters of the cycle network, with TfL collaborating with London boroughs to achieve the Mayor’s target of 40% by 2030.

    A call from the industry is that London’s cycling routes need to be interconnected throughout the entire city, addressing the current gaps in the network.

    We’ve made progress, but this is the start” Mr. Norman stated. “There are still holes in the network – one of the obvious being Kensington and Chelsea. Focusing on those boroughs that are not yet delivering is a priority because a network is only as good as its weakest spot.

    Transport for London (TfL) has announced that next year will see the completion of several borough-led Cycleways, including routes from Rotherhithe to Peckham, Enfield to Broxbourne, and along Deptford Church Street.

    There are boroughs who have never had bike lanes looking at installing cycle networks in the next six to 12 months and that is thanks to campaigning communities and politicians recognising the importance of this.

  8. UK Transport Secretary urges the legalisation of e-scooters on public roads

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    Source: The Telegraph

    UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced the Government’s intention to legalise private e-scooters on public roads, acknowledging the need for regulatory changes.

    Currently, privately owned e-scooters are prohibited on roads and pavements under laws applicable to motorbikes and cars, with exemptions granted only to Government-backed e-scooter rental schemes.

    Need for E-Scooter Legislation

    Ms. Haigh emphasised the urgency of addressing the current regulatory gap, stating that introducing e-scooter legislation is “clearly required.” While confirming there is no parliamentary time or relevant Bill in the current session to address this, she assured that future legislation is planned. “It’s not good enough that it’s been left in this situation for too long,” she added.

    E-scooters, she noted, could play a significant role in an integrated transport strategy, potentially benefiting individuals with reduced mobility. However, she highlighted challenges such as parking, street clutter, and understanding the behavioural impacts of e-scooter usage.

    Previous Legislative Efforts

    Although plans to legalise e-scooters were included in the Queen’s Speech in 2022, they did not progress due to political changes, including the resignation of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

    Safety and Usage Concerns

    Shared-use e-scooters are currently restricted to speeds of 15.5 mph and are available for hire to individuals over 18. However, Department for Transport data from 2022 revealed 12 fatalities, 1,480 injuries, and significant safety concerns for riders, pedestrians, and cyclists.

    Industry Challenges

    Despite trials of rental e-scooter schemes in various UK towns and cities, the industry has faced setbacks. Companies like insurance provider Zego and operator Dott have exited the UK market, citing regulatory uncertainty and challenges posed by unregulated e-bikes. Additionally, some e-scooter providers have collapsed in recent years.

    The Government’s forthcoming legislative efforts aim to address these issues and provide clarity for e-scooter use on public roads.

  9. European Commission announces 30 km/h speed limits success as Bologna and Wales report progress

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    Source: ETSC

    The European Commission has emphasised the importance of 30 km/h speed limits in reducing road injuries, fatalities, and pollution levels.

    In response to a parliamentary question, Wopke Hoekstra, the new commissioner for transport following Adina Vălean’s election to the European Parliament in June, highlighted that “the Commission acknowledges that speed is a major factor in road deaths and serious injuries, particularly in urban areas, where vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists or the users of e-scooters constitute 70% of fatalities.

    Recent research on the impact of city-wide 30 km/h speed limits in 40 European cities points to significant benefits. On average, these speed limits led to a 23%, 37%, and 38% reduction in road crashes, fatalities, and injuries respectively.

    The commissioner also emphasised that the impact on travel time is limited and the benefits to rod safety and other factors “often outweigh any change in travel times.

    The Welsh government recently revealed data that road crashes and injuries between April and June 2024 fell by about a quarter compared to the same period in 2023, suggesting a positive impact from new 20 mph limits in urban areas.

    Italy’s City of Bologna announced since launching its Città 30 program of 30 km/h limits city-wide, has seen road collisions drop by nearly 11% and injuries by over 10% in the first six months, compared to averages from the same period in 2022 and 2023. Severe crashes have plummeted by 38%, and fatalities have decreased by a third, reaching lows comparable to those during the Covid lockdowns. Vehicle traffic has reduced slightly (-3%), while traffic-related pollution has fallen by over 20%. Bike sharing has nearly doubled (+92%), with bicycle trips up by 12%.

    In Germany, recent changes to traffic laws now make it somewhat easier for local authorities to set 30 km/h limits. However, a coalition of cities argues that the changes are insufficient and has scheduled an online conference on November 29 for municipalities interested in implementing safer speed limits.

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