TRANSPORT UNION RMT called on the Government to ensure the COVID19 recovery does not make climate crisis worse in response to the transport use statistics released today by the Department for Transport today that show car use continuing to rise rapidly towards pre-COVID19 crisis levels.

Statistics show last week (week beginning 22nd June) saw the fastest rise in car use and ‘all vehicle use’, that includes light goods vehicles and heavy goods vehicles, since lockdown began on 23rd March. 

Senior Assistant General Secretary Mick Lynch said:

“The Government needs to get a grip of this as quickly as possible as these figures show the coronavirus crisis risks accelerating the climate change crisis.

“The government needs to start planning now for a rapid transformation to green transport through massively expanding public transport operating subsidies, capital investment and capacity to deliver publicly owned bus, metro, rail and ferry services which are more frequent, affordable, attractive and safer to use.”

• Car use for the 7 days from week beginning 22nd June totalled 525% out of an equivalent week (700%) the highest since lockdown began on 23rd March
• All vehicle use for the 7 days from week beginning 22nd June totalled 551% out of an equivalent week (700%) the highest since lockdown began on 23rd March

Department of Transport Use Statistics can be found here.