The THSG aims to generate discussion and debate about new and existing evidence that will enable healthier and sustainable transport systems. The THSG maintains an independent, evidence-based position on all issues. It has a campaigning stance, focused on supporting public health, transport and planning professionals to consider health in their policy, projects and plans.
THSG general policy on transport and health (2011)
The THSG’s aims are to:
Legislation
- Promote Parliamentary support for the THSG’s policy objectives
- Ensuring transport works for all people, regardless of time, location, age or disability
- Support reduction of the polluting effect of aviation, especially at high altitude, by using cleaner aircraft and by developing alternative modes of high speed long distance travel
- Promote reasonable limitation and avoidance of optional long distance travel
- Support sustainability and air quality improvement initiatives
- Support alternatives to travel, such as virtual meetings
Active Travel
- Promote walking and cycling as the principal modes for short, everyday trips
- Promote a systems approach to cycle safety and oppose cycle helmet legislation
- Promote the train/cycle integration and the development of the railway system
Public Transport
- Increase the quantity, quality and integration of public transport
- Move towards electrified public transport, especially in urban areas
Roads
- Prioritise walking, cycling and public transport in residential & urban areas
- Adopt and enforce 20mph speed limits in residential & urban areas
- Support pricing of transport in ways which promote balanced use of appropriate modes, such as shifting the cost of motor vehicles away from ownership and towards use
- Ensure that those making decisions about road schemes are fully informed about the scientific evidence concerning health and concerning the impact on congestion
- Recognise the evidence on the adverse health effects of heavy traffic in residential streets and the positive benefits of community use of streetscape
Professional services
- Provide professional support to organisations promoting walking and cycling
- Develop understanding of sustainable, health-promoting practice in engineering
- Develop understanding of sustainable, health-promoting practice in spatial planning
Research and development
- Develop a research network promoting the THSG’s policy objectives
- Develop thinking about new ways of financing transport infrastructure
- Develop new structures around transport accessibility above private car ownership
- Develop understanding and good practice around accident prevention
- Develop proposals for a national, demand-responsive transport system
Advocacy
- Develop and promote guidance on transport in health impact assessment
- Develop and support an NHS network promoting the THSG’s policy objectives
- Develop a local government network promoting the THSG’s policy objectives
- Develop good practice on transport in public health departments
- Promote understanding of transport in the medical profession
- Support and develop groups in other nations
- Develop the European THSG Committee in influencing in European policy