OVERVIEW

Counteracting global warming, and averting climate change, is the primary challenge of the 21st Century, and tackling carbon emissions from the transport sector is fundamental to achieving carbon reduction targets.

The Coalition has marketed itself as being 'the greenest government ever' promising to create a low carbon economy and has confirmed its intention by abolishing the third runway at Heathrow, continuing the development of the high-speed rail network and encouraging the use of electric and low emission hybrid cars. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has also recently announced that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards the purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011.

The government has committed itself to developing strategies to promote greener travel by supporting zero carbon options such as cycling and walking, and to persuade commuters to use sustainable methods of public transport. Influencing travel behaviour to make public transport a far more attractive choice has to be at the heart of any green transport policy. Convenience and comfort are two of the factors influencing decision-making and therefore any future public transport system must consider their impact on travel mode choice.

Innovation and technology integrated within the transport networks make for significant sustainability advancements in both reducing emissions and delivering quality services. Their importance in the development of future green transport systems cannot be undervalued, and with 450,000 people already employed within the sustainable transport sector, growth in the area is not only good for the environment but also an important contribution to economic recovery and growth.

At the Sustainable Transport Systems- Influencing Travel Behaviour conference the leading policies and approaches will be discussed to ensure that the UK can gain both environmentally and economically by investing in sustainable transport systems.