The Low Traffic Future alliance is stepping up its support for grassroots action to reduce car-dependence across England.
Since its launch, Low Traffic Future has brought together a wide range of groups — from health and environmental organisations to sustainable transport campaigners and clean air advocates — around a shared vision: a future where communities are healthier, safer, and better connected, with less need to rely on private cars.
While our ambition has always been to drive change both locally and nationally, our early focus was on helping campaigners make a difference where they live. In 2023, we organised a series of ‘Greening Transport in Your Area’ workshops and published two campaign resources — a summary guide and a detailed guide — to help people shape their Local Transport Plans (LTPs) for the better.
The unexpected timing of last year’s general election prompted us to pivot towards national campaigning — working to influence the Government’s Integrated National Transport Strategy (INTS) and its evolving planning reforms.
But now, in 2025, the direction of travel is once again shifting — and so are we.
Why we’re going local (again)
There are two big reasons behind our renewed focus on local campaigning:
- National headwinds on environment and clean air
The Government’s recent rollback on environmental policies — from weakening clean air rules to diluting nature protections and wavering on net zero — has created challenges. Many campaign partners are having to defend hard-won progress, leaving less capacity for coordinated national action on transport. - Local powers and opportunities are growing
More positively, the Government’s devolution agenda is unlocking fresh opportunities at the local level. New powers for combined authority mayors, combined with increased capital funding for local transport through the Spending Review, create a real window of opportunity.
Just recently, 12 combined authority mayors announced their intention to collaborate on a national active travel network — a sign that the momentum for change is building from the ground up.
That’s why we believe now is the time to help local campaigners and groups form powerful, informal alliances — to press mayors, councils, and local authorities to take bold, coordinated steps to reduce car-dependence.
What’s next?
We want to open up a conversation with local campaigners across the country — to learn from your successes, understand your challenges, and explore how we can add value to the work you’re already doing.
We want to amplify these efforts of local and regional campaign groups, connect local movements, and provide tools, insights, and strategic support to help push things further.
In the months ahead, we’ll be sharing more about how we plan to do this — and inviting local campaigners to be part of shaping that approach.
If you’re part of a local campaign group, or just passionate about making your area better for walking, cycling, and public transport — we’d love to hear from you!
