ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by briefly outlining the main characteristics of the contemporary environmental movement in Britain, with particular attention given to the national groups which are involved in transport policy issues. It aims to develop the role of these national groups as movement actors and explores their interaction with the policy process. Galvanised by the growing pace and scientific understanding of environmental change, the green tide which swept through the country was driven by the perception that the environment had evolved into a legitimate, high profile and enduring political and policy issue. Given the continuing lack of real change in transport policy and the increasing dependency of modern society on the motor car, the national environmental groups may have to rethink both their structures and strategies if they are going to become part of the catalyst towards the social transformation and ecological modernisation that is required.
