avoid using your car for very short journeys, especially when the engine is cold
walk or cycle for short journeys
use public transport when you can. Light rapid transit (LRT) systems (‘metros’) and trams are being introduced in many cities and large towns to provide more efficient public transport. These vehicles are more environmentally friendly because they use electricity, rather than fossil fuels • consider car sharing if there’s no suitable public transport. There may be a colleague or friend who’s making the same journey (for example, to work or on the ‘school run’)
if at all possible, avoid using your car when air pollution is high.

As well as the environmental effects of driving, consider also the relative costs, safety and travelling times of various forms of transport.

Costs

When considering the costs of driving, remember that it isn’t just the cost of fuel that you need to take into account; you also need to consider insurance, depreciation, maintenance and vehicle tax.

Safety

Statistics have proven that travelling by bus or coach is about as safe as travelling by air, rail or on water. All of these transport methods are less risky than driving a car or riding a motorcycle.

Travelling times

Remember that it’s sometimes difficult to estimate the time for a journey by car because of delays that can be caused by congestion, incidents and roadworks. These factors should always be taken into account, especially if it’s necessary to travel at busy times.

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