Transport pollution is one of the major drivers of climate change in Australia’s towns and cities. A new Climate Council report has found:

• Transport is Australia’s second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution (after electricity)
• Congestion is a $16 billion dollar handbrake on the productivity of Australian cities
• Nearly 9 out of 10 Australians travel to work, school or university by car
• Australia is one of a handful of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries without greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and lacks credible national policy to tackle transport emissions

Recommendations for Local Governments:

• Develop a climate and transport policy and action plan
• Gather data on local transport patterns, and facilities for walking, riding and public transport
• Encourage sustainable transport use by local government staff and for access to local government facilities and events 
• Encourage sustainable transport use (public transport, walking and cycling) through local government strategic, transport and statutory planning and design
• Provide for adequate cycle lanes (both space and connectivity) and provide bicycle parking and end-of-ride facilities
• Provide for adequate pedestrian infrastructure