The steady increase of traffic in the UK has led to more congestion, pollution and stress. Reduction is the only long-term solution. This means people needing fewer journeys and having access to safe, cheap and convenient alternatives to the car. Simply building more roads, car parks and airports is not only expensive and environmentally damaging, it produces more traffic, which in turn contributes to climate change.

In Sheffield

Gridlock is becoming a common sight 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. The Council continues with its failing traffic management policies - road widening and traffic light systems - while the new LTP is preparing to remove the traffic reduction target altogether. It is difficult to promote alternatives to cars when more
and more city centre car parks are built and the local rail network is neglected. This does not help solve the problems of congestion and climate change; nor does it promote regeneration or better health.

The Green Party has:

• Helped improve the commuter rail service between Sheffield and Dronfield
• Pressed the Council for better pedestrian facilities in accident blackspots.
• Argued for improvements to light and heavy rail systems.

Our local Green Party members will:

• Continue our campaign for regulated bus services using Quality Bus Contracts.
• Campaign for Council support for a free bus service around the city centre.
• Oppose road widening schemes.
• Support car clubs.
• Continue to support the No to M1 Widening Campaign.
• Push for improvements to light and heavy rail infrastructure and services and oppose the threatened closure of any rail services.

Our Green Councillors have:

• Argued for walk to work and road crossings with priority based on meeting local need, not just on accident statistics.
• Helped secure residents’ parking schemes.
• Supported travel plans for council and businesses.
• Campaigned for residents' parking schemes and reduction of city centre parking.
• Promoted cycling within the city and resisted budget cuts for cycle training

Our Green Councillors will:

• Support more funding for pedestrian, walk-to-work and speeding restrictions 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 soon to allow the Council to regain control of fares routes and frequencies, and until then support the increase of subsidies to bus services to stop further cuts.
• Push for travel plans to be set up and monitored at all major workplaces and work towards incentives for existing businesses to introduce them