Carfree Eco-towns

During 2007 the UK Government announced a programme to build 10 'Eco-towns' - new towns of between 5,000 and 20,000 dwellings each with a range of sustainability objectives - in different locations across England.

Following input from Carfree UK, the Eco-towns Transport Worksheet published by the Department of Communities and Local Government and TCPA, makes several references to carfree development, including a statement that :

   "Car free residential and mixed use...areas should cover a substantial proportion of the eco-town."

(The Worksheet can be downloaded, with the foreword from the Minister as a separate document from:
http://www.tcpa.org.uk/ecotowns.asp)

In response to this Carfree UK has published its own Guide for Planners and Developers. 

Along with other environmental groups, Carfree UK has been very critical of many of the eco-town proposals. Many of the sites are too remote and poorly served by rail in particular. We are working with the developers of some of the better proposals, particularly Marston Vale, which would create the largest carfree area in Europe.

More information from CLG (UK Government) about eco-towns

Read the Joint submission on the Eco-towns Planning Policy Statement by Carfree UK and other environmental groups.


Read Carfree UK's original submission to the Dept. for Transport.

Read the Joint letter of concern to the Housing Minister by Carfree UK and other environmental groups.