Sustainable transport charity Sustrans has claimed that obesity levels in the UK will continue to rise unless transport planners give pedestrians and cyclists priority over motor vehicles.

The charity is backing new recommendations made by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which include creating walking and cycling networks and restricting motor vehicle access and reallocating road space.

The recommendations were drawn up by a panel of experts, including representatives from Sustrans.

Malcolm Shepherd, Sustrans' operations director, said: “These are excellent recommendations from NICE, addressing the conflict between the Government's wish to promote healthy living and a transport and planning system which deters people from walking and cycling.

“Everything NICE recommends as health promoting will also help address climate change and make urban areas more people friendly and liveable. This guidance should be the final argument convincing the transport sector of the role they play in enabling people to lead healthy lifestyles, and to make walking and cycling the first priority for all local trips.”