The UK government is being urged to take significant steps to make car-free living a viable choice for families across the country. Helen Chandler and Thomas Ableman, a couple with two daughters who have been living without a car for years, have put forward a manifesto outlining the key actions necessary to promote car-free family living.
Chandler and Ableman emphasise that their decision to live without a car is intentional, driven by a dislike for driving and a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and exposure to air pollution. They highlight that despite not owning a car, they lead fulfilling lives, balancing work, home ownership, and parenting responsibilities.
To encourage more families to embrace car-free living, they propose a series of initiatives. Firstly, they call for free family railcards to make train travel more affordable and accessible. They argue that investing in public transport infrastructure outside London is crucial to ensure that all major cities have efficient transport networks.
The couple also advocate for better coordination between different modes of transport to make journeys smoother. They suggest creating family-friendly bike infrastructure and offering free cargo-bike hire from local councils to facilitate shopping trips without a car. Additionally, they recommend establishing family waiting areas in train stations and providing priority boarding and family zones on trains to enhance the travel experience for parents and children.
Moreover, Chandler and Ableman propose affordable left-luggage facilities in intercity train stations and advocate for the introduction of “Uber for Teens” services to ensure safe transportation for older children. By implementing these measures, they believe that car-free living can become a mainstream choice for families across the UK.
The manifesto emphasises the importance of government intervention to promote sustainable travel practices and reduce reliance on cars. As discussions around climate change and public health continue to gain momentum, initiatives like those proposed by Chandler and Ableman could play a significant role in shaping a more environmentally friendly and family-friendly transportation landscape in the UK.