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.
The THSG’s aims drawn from Health on the Move 2 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