We all know that transport activity is damaging to both the environment and health, but what can local authorities do to steer the sustainable transport debate from being an ideal to becoming a reality?

In this issue, we take an in-depth look at a number of initiatives which all share a common goal - to reduce the negative impacts of transport systems. On page 170, Nick Warburton kicks off by looking at the inextricable links between transport and health. With regard to reducing CO2 emissions, Jonathan Murray suggests some cleaner alternatives to petrol and diesel on page 172, while Jane Cloke discusses the TRAMAQ programme, on page 175, which aims to help local authorities in their battle to manage local air quality. Retailer Safeway brings a commercial viewpoint to the debate, arguing that night-time noise curfews are curtailing efforts to maximise the efficiency of its transport operations (page 173).

If evidence were still needed that action is essential, Sarah McMahon presents the findings of a study into the relationship between the respiratory health of asthmatic primary school children and traffic (page 176). Dr Guy Hitchcock concludes the transport debate with an article on "clear zones" - a framework for local authorities to pull together air quality and pollution plans, road traffic reduction and integrated transport and urban regeneration measures, to provide the city centres of the future.

Also in this issue, Roger Critchley questions whether widespread energy improvements can be made in time to meet the Government's commitment to eliminating fuel poverty by the end of the decade (page 186). While figures show that energy improvements are being made in the UK, it appears to be a painstakingly slow progress.

Finally, on page 180 we look at the response of members to last year's consultation document on the proposals for chartered status. The results make interesting reading.

Tracey Khanna, Editor