The transport sector is responsible for a large proportion of air pollution, as well as being a leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An estimated 4.2 million premature deaths are attributed to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Higher air pollution concentrations increase the risk for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer and adverse birth outcomes, and are associated with higher death rates. 

• Transport is a significant and growing contributor to particulate air pollution exposures – most closely linked to air pollution-related deaths and illnesses. Road transport is estimated to be responsible for a substantial share of particulate matter (PM) emissions globally particularly due to diesel traffic.  
• Transport emissions also include some of the precursors of ground-level ozone (O3), including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), which pose a particular risk for vehicle operators and passengers in closed spaces (e.g. garages); and methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Ground-level ozone also damages agricultural productivity and threatens food security. 

Up to 5 million deaths a year could be averted if the global population was more active; and people who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active. Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several cancers. It also helps prevent hypertension, maintain healthy body weight and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. 

• Declines in physical activity have coincided with urban sprawl which deters walking and cycling while increasing motorization.  
• Compared with motorized transport, walking and cycling both reduce emissions and improve health through physical activity. 
• Urban and territorial planning featuring safe cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and green spaces can promote physical activity – reducing cardiovascular disease and lowering average obesity rates. 
• Policies and infrastructure that improve access for one type of travel, particularly cars and motorcycles, may create barriers for those travelling by other modes (bus, bicycle, on foot etc.). 

Road traffic injuries are one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, resulting in some 1.35 million deaths annually. Between 20 and 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries each year with long-term adverse health consequences. Road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product. 93% of road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, which often have more hazardous travel environments and lack necessary infrastructural developments. 

• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are among those most at risk for road traffic deaths – with notable exceptions in settings with strong road safety regulations and adequate walking and cycling infrastructure.  
• Children, people with disabilities and the elderly are also considered vulnerable road users, often as a result of faulty sidewalks and mixed traffic conditions by foot, bicycle, wheelchair and motor vehicles. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. 
• Infrastructure for safer walking and cycling, including separated bike lanes, footpaths and clearly defined pedestrian crossings, can also support moves to reduce air pollution, mitigate climate change and encourage physical activity. 

Environmental noise exposure is responsible for a range of health effects, including increased risk of ischaemic heart disease as well as sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment among children, annoyance, stress-related mental health risks, and tinnitus. Taken together these risks account for at least one million healthy life years lost every year from traffic-related noise in the high-income European countries. Road traffic is the biggest cause of community noise in most cities, and typically noise levels increase with higher traffic volumes and speeds. 

• While road traffic is the most pervasive noise-related issue, children living in areas with high aircraft noise have delayed reading ages, poor attention levels, and high stress levels.  
• Reducing traffic volumes in neighbourhoods can generate other economic and social co-benefits such as higher property values and increased levels of pedestrian street activity and social interaction.