A transport campaign group has called on the government to do more to help local authorities improve transport.
Campaign for Better Transport said the government urgently needs to set out a new policy direction on transport in urban areas around the UK.
The group hailed the government's latest Strategic Unit urban transport report as a good start in setting out an agenda for the improvement of transport and logistics across the country.
"It shows how important a good transport system is for the health and quality of life of people living in towns and cities," said Richard Hebditch, the group's campaign director.
He added however, that the government still needs to equip local transport authorities with the powers, funding and capability to make a palpable difference in transport provision.
The Strategic Unit found that the cost of urban congestion is in the region of £11 billion each year, while the combined cost of ill health, road accidents and poor air quality stands at a further £40 billion.
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