Traffic in the UK is increasing, producing more congestion, pollution, and stress. Traffic reduction, not traffic management, is the only long-term solution. We should reduce the need to travel through and make the alternatives to driving safe, cheap and convenient.

We cannot build our way out of the problem with more roads, car parks and airports, which are expensive, environmentally damaging and generate even more traffic.

In Sheffield

Gridlock is becoming a regular occurrence as bus fares rise and services are cut. The first Local Transport Plan (LTP) failed to reach targets, leading to a 5% cut in central government funding for 2006/7.

Sheffield still continues with its failing traffic management policies, such as road widening and traffic light systems, while the new LTP is preparing to remove the target to reduce traffic.It is difficult to promote alternatives to driving when city centre parking is increasing, the local rail network is neglected and there is no action on planned extensions to Supertram.

This does not help solve the problems of congestion, or of regeneration, health, climate change and energy use.

What we have done so far:

• Helped bring the debate on bus regulation to the public's attention. Supported the bus commission and Quality Bus Contracts.
• Pressed the Council for improved pedestrian facilities in accident blackspots, resulting in plans for safer crossings on Shoreham St.
• Promoted cycling within the city and resisted budget cuts for cycle training.
• Lobbied the Chamber of Commerce and supported Council Officers on Travel Plans for businesses in the city.
• Opposed building a multi-storey car park on the site of the Yorkshire Grey pub.
• In Full Council debates, pointed out that increasing air travel will make climate change worse.
• Helped secure residents parking scheme in Sharrow.

As Green City Councillors we will:

• Support more funding for pedestrian and walk-to-work schemes with priority based on meeting local need rather just on accident statistics.
• Oppose rises in bus fares and service cuts. Push for Quality Bus Contracts to regulate the services run by private operators, allowing the Council to regain control of fares routes and frequencies. Until then, increase the subsidies available for bus services to stop further cuts.
• Push for effective travel plans at all major workplaces and work towards incentives for existing businesses to introduce them.
• Support residents parking schemes and stop the increase in city centre parking.
• Support the campaigns against the widening of the M1 and airport expansion.
• Push for improvements to light and heavy rail infrastructure and services and oppose threatened closure of rail routes.