Major local transport operator kicks off annual green week

Stagecoach Cumbria will hold local events to mark their annual green week Credit: PA

A major transport operator in Cumbria, has launched a 'green week' campaign, raising awareness of air pollution amongst local authorities and customers.

Stagecoach Group, popular provider of Cumbria's bus and coach services, are calling for:

  • public transport operators to continue investing in cleaner vehicle technologies

  • tougher tax regimes and use of clean air zones targeting vehicles and journeys which contribute most to pollution on a per-passenger basis

  • focused support to taxpayers where it will deliver the best value environmental benefit

  • clearer promotion of switching from cars to public transport as the most effective route to tackling the twin scourges of urban congestion and air pollution

  • public investment in bus priority measures and better transport interchanges

A number of events hosted by Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire will be taking place around the region to "further raise awareness of environmental issues among staff and passengers".

They begin World Environment Day, which is Monday, 5 June. These include visiting children at South Walney Junior School in Barrow to illustrate how flowers and plants can improve air quality in the region.

The Group have released research showing that air pollution caused by traffic congestion as being a major contributor to between 40,000 and 50,000 deaths in the UK per year.

They say air pollution is linked to diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, obesity and dementia. It currently costs the country over £20 billion a year.

Stagecoach Group say one full double deck bus can remove up to 75 cars from the road. They say this can free road space, reduce emission levels and improve air quality.