7a Transport Policy in Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan (GMLTP) outlines the Greater Manchester approach to addressing congestion, pollution, improving the environment, regeneration and accessibility.
Congestion has a significant impact on business each year through:

• delayed deliveries
  
• higher fuel consumption
  
• unproductive use of employees time

Pollution and resulting health problems have an effect both commercially and socially through:

• poor air quality, which is unattractive to visitors and is contributing to the increase in asthma among children and adults

• ill health through pollution, accidents and lack of exercise
  
• staff sickness as a result of the stress of driving in heavy traffic

Transport Statistic: Businesses in the North-West estimate that traffic delays cost £30 per vehicle per day. Some businesses have calculated that congestion costs them £400,000 per year.

How accessible the existing transport system is to an individual is determined by their level of mobility, geographical location or social situation. Three in ten households do not have access to a car and for many households use of the car is restricted because someone else requires it for their journey to work. Businesses that are only accessible by car may be excluding a large number of potential employees and customers.

The Greater Manchester Authorities are committed to creating thriving towns and improving their attractiveness and safety for residents and visitors.

Travel Plans provide an opportunity for businesses and local authorities to work with their communities to tackle local transport problems, which will contribute to reducing the negative impact transport is having at a national and global level.

Transport Statistic: One in three car journeys is less than 2 km in length. Walking and cycling are realistic alternatives to the car for many of these journeys.

Policy in Greater Manchester
National Transport Policy
Useful Travel Facts and Figures
Useful Contacts
Specialist Advice
Useful Sources of Information