On the move
Getting there Walking is great for the environment and for your health. Short frequent walks, such as to the local shops, can do wonders for your fitness, flexibility and mobility. Doing small, regular shops means you’ll probably have less food waste, too! It may be tempting to take the car or call a taxi, but if you work a little exercise into your daily routine, you’ll find your overall wellbeing improves, and you’ll build greater mobility. “Use it or lose it,” we’re often told. It’s true!
Too far to walk? Taking public transport is a good choice – especially for anyone who has a free bus pass. When there’s no bus, can you share a ride? Travelling with others reduces our impact on the environment, by reducing fuel emissions, which have been linked to air pollution, health problems and climate change.
Just idling
There are times when we might want to take the car because public transport or walking just aren’t practical. When you do, notice how many motorists sit at the side of the road with the engine running. It’s not just bad for the environment, it’s illegal under the Highway Code (section 123).
Some councils, especially those in polluted cities, are now clamping down on idlers, serving fines of up to £80 to repeat offenders.
Occasionally drivers will run the engine while parked because they’re worried the car will get cold. It’s surprising how long a car will stay warm with the engine off, but the key turned halfway to keep the fan on.
The same applies to drivers or passengers charging phones or listening to the radio. The engine doesn’t need to be running for the electrics to work, and charging a phone or listening to the radio for a short time won’t flatten the battery.