The ban in the UK on new diesel and petrol cars by 2040 is certainly a step forward on the UK’s action towards improving its air pollution, however many critics are stating that it barely scratches the surface on what changes need to take place.

By 2040, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people may have already died prematurely because of air pollution. The ban is a great vision for the future however it does nothing to address the health emergency that is occurring now.

Current spending plans will see around £23 billion of taxpayers money spent on the road network – which encourages the ownership of private cars, often at the expense of our beautiful countryside. And while electric cars are having a positive effect on reducing toxic fumes, they don’t solve the congestion problems many UK cities are facing.

Of course, it isn’t just cars which contribute to air pollution – fumes from airports are also deadly however the government is continuing to back the expansion of airports such as London Heathrow.

While it is down to the government to help people switch to cleaner, more cost effective and more sustainable modes of transport, each individual has the opportunity to make more conscious decisions themselves.

The UK government and its citizens can use the testimony of other countries in its quest for a cleaner and greener country, such as the Netherlands. In Amsterdam and the Hague, up to 70% of journeys are by bikes. In Bogotá (Columbia), their bus-first transport system has been a great success. In addition, trains across Europe are much cheaper than they are in the UK.

The UK needs a green transport revolution as building a system which is fit for the future won’t just saves lives but it will also positively change the way we live. The proposed ban is such one piece of the jigsaw.

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