The impact of Covid-19 on transport
03/11/2021
Covid-19 has accelerated many active transport initiatives, which has brought new opportunities and risks for Local Authorities.
Initiatives such as active travel and the use of new technologies are at the heart of local government Covid-19 recovery and support the green agenda. However, what new risks should a risk manager be looking out for or engaging in? Here, we will explore the implications and new risks arising from the widened type of use on the transport network.
Active Travel for the general public
- Fewer cars on the roads means lower emissions; by the end of April 2020, global carbon dioxide emissions were 17% lower than the same time in 2019.
- In 2018, the majority of cycling and pedestrian casualties happened in a crash with a motor vehicle, so it’s clear that fewer cars also make our highways safer for vulnerable road users.
- In March 2020 the government stated that people were only permitted to go outside to exercise. So that’s what people did and according to Cycling Weekly 1.3 million of us bought a bike during lockdown.
Active travel for employees
- A British Cycling article in 2019 described the benefits of cycling on mental health5. The findings summarised the benefits as relating to exercise in the outdoors which energises and revitalises us; a reduction in feelings associated with stress, anxiety or panic, and feelings of wellbeing associated with group or social activity.
- Covid-19 has accelerated the adoption of active travel for staff. We can’t ignore the fact that in some cases people didn’t have much choice than to start using active transport. However, it did show that where there is a need and a will to make it happen, it can happen.
Technology and innovation
- Many highways authorities are exploring new technology to enhance or assist with their highways management.
- In response to Covid-19, new technologies can assist with social distancing and reduced staff numbers. However, there may be supply chain disruption with the introduction of new materials.
- There is the risk that technology may raise expectations that improvements will be made to the highways network, and quickly. There is also the risk that it could be targeted by cyber criminals or subject to technical failure or data loss.
To read more on the impact Covid-19 has had on several initiatives for the transport network, download our risk topic: The Impact of Covid-19 on Transport
