RESEARCHERS at the University of York are leading an international effort to tackle problems such as traffic congestion, air pollution and road safety in Africa.

They are co-ordinating an international drive to strengthen scientific and technological support to enable the implementation of sustainable transport policies in sub-Saharan Africa. The Transport and Environment – Science Technology (TEST) Network is led by the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute, and the European branch of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, based in Germany.

Dr Gary Haq, TEST Network co-ordinator, said: “Millions of African citizens live out their daily lives in conditions that contribute to ill health, poverty and lack of opportunity. Road safety, traffic congestion, urban air pollution, road maintenance, accessibility and mobility problems are key challenges in Africa. Transport policies that deliver sustainable cities, healthy citizens, development and poverty eradication are urgently needed.”