Overview

The last 20 years have seen a huge increase in car use in the UK, which has contributed to greater road congestion, poorer air quality and more noise. Transport emissions affect people’s health and contribute to global warming and climate change. Some areas of Swansea have suffered from congestion problems for many years, which are compounded by topography and our coastal location.

There are many ways in which people can travel more sustainably and limit their contribution to pollution and congestion, such as sharing cars, using public transport, cycling or walking. Fuel efficiency is generally improving and alternative fuels are being developed, but not at the same pace as the increase in vehicle use. The popularity of large and less-efficient vehicles has also slowed down the overall benefit of such developments. Reducing the distances and frequency people need to travel, in order to get to work and services for example, may lead to more significant improvements.

Air pollution has greatly improved in Swansea over the last century with the reduction in heavy industry and the introduction of smokeless fuels. Transport is now the most significant threat to the quality of our air. Poor air quality not only affects our health but is also harmful to plants and animals, and causes damage to buildings. Air travel is a growing contributor to pollution and climate change. Promoting a reduction in air travel and airport expansion, against the current trends, would help to limit its impact on the environment.