Why Vote Low Traffic?
The May 2026 local elections in England are a key opportunity to shape the future of transport in your local area.
They take place at a time of global instability in oil prices, which has reignited the cost of living crisis. It has also highlighted the need for better transport choices, so that people can save on the costs of petrol and taxis, by using active travel and public transport more.
It is also worth recalling how the Dutch responded to the 1970s oil shocks. Unlike the UK, they invested in ways to get around that didn’t depend on oil imports. This has provided long-term benefits not just for their economy but also their health, environment and quality of life.
Check out the benefits of a Low Traffic Future – this page also outlines the multi-billion annual costs to the UK economy of our ‘high traffic present’!
Please take action to remind your local candidates that a Low Traffic Future is not only possible, but vastly preferable in so many ways. Ask them what they would do, if elected, to help make it happen!
How to Take Action
As a group
We have prepared a toolkit to help mount a campaign to persuade local parties or candidates to pledge action to provide better transport choices in your area. It includes:
- A briefing on running a local election campaign.
- A template set of key demands you might wish to call for in your campaign (please adapt these as appropriate for your local area).
- Template letters to send to local parties or local candidates (though the latter involves a lot more work, as explained in the local election campaign briefing).
- Template press releases for launching your campaign, and for reporting progress on your campaign (and drumming up more responses) about a week before the election.
They are designed to be adapted to your local situation. If you would like further information or support in using these resources, please email hello@lowtrafficfuture.org.uk.
As an individual
If there isn’t a group campaigning in your area, you could email the local candidates directly. Check whether your local candidates email addresses are available from the (volunteer-run) Local Democracy Club website. We have provided a template email you could then send them – again, please adapt it as you see fit.
Introducing the
Transport Choices Challenge
Our major ask for local authorities is for them to adopt a plan that will commit them to reducing traffic.
Too much to ask? Well, fear not! We’ve created a guide to help you work through the process, explaining the huge benefits on offer.
There is huge public support for giving people better transport choices. People want to be able to get around in ways that are safe, convenient, affordable, healthy and environment-friendly.
