Clean and Active Travel
Promoting an active, accessible and connected lifestyle for everyone regardless of demographics

Why this theme?
In simple terms, this theme is about getting people moving about in the most sustainable way possible, starting with walking, cycling or scooting, followed by tram, train or bus and, if that isn’t possible, by their own electric or low carbon vehicle. Maintaining the status quo in our towns and cities has huge impacts on the health of the population as a result of high air pollution levels, which ultimately means more deaths attributed to particulate matter; see our Clean Air and Water theme for more information. More cars on the road also means more carbon emissions, and congestion can stifle economic growth as people stay away from the urban core.
The Covid-19 pandemic proved to be a game-changer with regards to this theme. Our concern as we emerge from the pandemic is whether working at home is a blessing or a curse. At the time of writing (summer 2022), rail use is still not back to where it was pre-Covid, and reliability appears to be worsening. Buses in our rural areas and market towns continue to decline, and there remains a perception of lack of safety with regards to some cycle routes. We also recognise that, despite the Government’s commitment to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, electric vehicles at present remain unaffordable for some communities.
Conversely, more people have used lockdowns to embrace the benefits of walking and cycling, and working at home could result in a more flexible lifestyle leading to fewer required trips. We have a role to take advantage of this trend while continuing to encourage people to go back to using public transport.
Target 1: By 2030, one third of all trips made by walking or cycling
Target 2: By 2030, 80% of new car sales should be Ultra Low Emission Vehicles
The targets related to this theme have been informed by a mixture of literature and stakeholders:
Target 1: Current performance shows that approximately 24% of all journeys are made through walking and cycling. This has decreased significantly since 2019 when the figure was around 32%, suggesting measures need to be accelerated to encourage more active travel and fulfill the 2030 vision statement. Liaising with Transport for West Midlands has allowed us to align our targets to make them compatible and complimentary.
Current progress on this target (2024) – accelerate progress. The latest Government data (2024) show that there has been a decrease in trips taken by walking or cycling over the last few years, so progress needs to be accelerated to meet the 2030 target.
Target 2: Initially, we liaised with our members Cenex, national experts in electric vehicles, and analysed the Road to Zero, Cycling and Walking Investment and Clean Air Strategies, we were able to determine an achievable target for new vehicle purchase, which was 50-70% of all new car sales to be ULEV by 2030. However, this was before the Government’s intervention, and it is only right that we now change our target to 80% of all new car sales to be ULEV by 2030 to reflect the national pathway to meet the ambition of 100% by 2035. Initially we also had a target for ULEV van sales too, but ascertained through engagement with experts in transpired that this was difficult to monitor at the West Midlands level.
Current progress on this target (2024) – more action needed. Department for Transport data show that the uptake of new ULEV vehicles is increasing, However the rate of increase is slowing. Following the current trend the West Midlands is projected to be 53% below the 80% target.
What our Members are doing

National Express are one of the leading bus service providers in the West Midlands. They are embracing change, recognising the need to encourage more people onto their services while trying to do their bit to address the climate emergency. They have publicly pledged that their entire bus fleet will be zero-emission by 2030, and have pledged never to buy a new diesel bus again, being committed to an electric fleet.
Whatsmore, they are innovating further by establishing a fleet of 124 new hydrogen fuelled buses, which will be taking to the streets of the West Midlands following the approval of a £30 million Department for Transport grant. They also recognise their need to encourage users back to the bus post-pandemic. One example of this is their involvement in the West Midlands Innovation Programme funded Innovation Engine project, whereby they are working with the creative sector to provide ideas on how to do this in an innovative way.

Cenex operates as an independent not-for-profit consultancy specialising in the delivery of projects, supporting innovation and market development, focused on low carbon vehicles and associated energy infrastructure. The company help deliver low carbon vehicle solutions and fuel cell technologies in the West Midlands.
Their projects are wide-ranging, from charging infrastructure for electric boats, to biofuel analysis and e-mobility expertise both here and abroad. They provide practical solutions for a range of clients and produce informative reports and guides for a range of sectors to encourage them to uptake low carbon vehicles and their required infrastructure. From SWM’s perspective, they are always our ‘go-to’ member for any advice and guidance on low carbon vehicles.
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