Trends in commuting in England and Wales - becoming less sustainable?

It is widely accepted that the nature and extent of commuting patterns worl dwide represent a large slice of the overall environmental problems associa ted with transport use. There has been a long-standing concern over the 'co ngestion peaks' derived from daily travel-to-work patterns, and a preoccupa tion with the ways in which greener modes of commuting might contribute to a more environmentally benign transport system. This article uses Census da ta to focus on commuting patterns in England and Wales, concluding that des pite recent moves towards promoting a more integrated and sustainable trans port system, worrying trends persist that would seem to undermine this stra tegy. On a more positive note, the Census data also suggest that many short er trips might potentially be converted to 'greener modes'-walking or cycli ng-with substantial environmental benefits.