The health watchdog is calling for roads to be narrowed and driver charge schemes to be introduced to help make people more active.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has issued guidance urging local authorities to close or restrict roads to reduce the number of vehicles they can hold.
It is also calling for the introduction of road-user charging schemes in areas where traffic is contributing to poor air quality.
Last year, NICE called for traffic to be held for longer at green man crossings to allow the elderly and disabled more time to cross the road.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents 370 councils in England and Wales, argued local authorities are already implementing such measures but ‘significant funding pressures’ mean NICE’s wishlist is ‘more idealistic than realistic’.
NICE’s guidance follows previous research suggesting more than a quarter of adults in England are inactive due to them doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week.
Studies imply being active prevents more than 20 serious health conditions, including certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The health watchdog National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is calling for roads to be narrowed and driver charge schemes introduced to help make people more active (stock)
Potholes should be repaired and footpaths maintained
Further NICE guidance includes pedestrians and cyclists being given the highest priority when developing or maintaining streets, for instance widening foot paths and introducing bike lanes.
It is also encouraging councils to improve the quality of footpaths by repairing potholes and preventing motorists from parking on pavements.
NICE adds footpaths and cycle routes should be convenient, safe and attractive, as well as being maintained to a high standard, including the removal of any hazards, such as tree roots.
The guidelines also call for additional support for those with limited mobility, including step-free access on public transport and adapted crossings.
It also recommends those planning and designing hospitals and universities should ensure the sites are linked by accessible walking and cycling routes.
‘Simple things will lead to people living healthier lives’
Professor Mark Baker, director of the centre for guidelines at NICE, said: ‘Handing back some of the roads to pedestrians and cyclists will help people to become more active.
‘Simple things such as ensuring street lights along footpaths are working and hedges are kept trimmed makes walking a more attractive option, which will lead to people living healthier lives.
‘People with limited mobility need extra help from their surroundings such as adapted crossings, public transport that can be used with a wheelchair and step-free access.
‘With a little thought these measures can be designed into our public spaces to help everyone be more active.’
Previous research suggests more than a quarter of adults in England are classified as inactive due to them doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week (stock)
‘More idealistic than realistic’
LGA transport spokesman councillor Martin Tett added: ‘This guidance reflects what councils are already striving towards for the benefit of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, but with significant funding pressures this list of expectations is more idealistic than realistic.
‘Councils have made some progress in tackling the backlog of road repairs, [such as] filling a pothole every 21 seconds.
‘However, increasing traffic levels and more cars on our roads means that Government needs to keep the funding of local roads as a priority in its spending plans to enable councils to embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed.
‘Councils know the environment can play a major role in improving people’s health and wellbeing, and are already taking steps to change the environment by promoting active travel and physical activity, with greater provision and access to green spaces.’