Friends of the Earth: Campaigns: Transport: Social exclusion

Social exclusion

Image of heavy traffic

Our love affair with the car hits the poor hardest.

Did you know?

Over 60% of the poorest fifth of households in Britain do not own a car.

Social Exclusion Unit 2003

Although most don't own cars, pensioners and people on low incomes suffer most from the effects of a car-based transport system:

Environmental
Poorer households often live near busy roads and so risk increased pollution and road accidents.
Social
Inadequate public transport means people without cars can have limited access to jobs, shops and other services.

Image of a bus stop

Friends of the Earth conducted extensive research to discover how transport effects local communities.

Unreliable transport and dangerous, traffic-filled roads emerged as major problems.

The solution? Tackle these issues directly.

Improve public transport
More reliable, regular and accessible buses.
Make streets safer
Lower speed limits - 20mph in towns and 10mph in residential areas. Prioritise pedestrians over cars in residential areas.

Friends of the Earth says:

Communities need better local transport, safer streets and cycling routes - not more cars.

Of course, tackling transport problems alone won't prevent social exclusion. But it can help.

Next: help us convince the Government to provide greener transport solutions.

Last modified:
Menu: May 2008
Content: Oct 2004