In common with many countries, Britain has serious environmental problems. In 1952, more than 4,000 people died in London because of the smog (烟雾). The government introduced new laws to stop smog from coal fires and factories and the situation improved a lot. Today, London is much cleaner but there is a new problem: smog from cars. In December 1991, there was very little wind in London and pollution increased a lot. As a result, about 160 people died from pollution in just four days.
Part of the problem is the new “out of town” shopping centers. In the past, people often walked to shops near their home or went by bus. Many people drive to the new shopping centers now. As a result, the small shops have disappeared and more people have to travel to do their shopping.
Critics (批评家) say that Britain needs better and cheaper public transport (交通). Transport in Britain is very expensive. An early morning train trip from Glasgow to London (about 600km) can cost about ￡100, for example. A short 15-minute bus trip can cost over ￡1.00.
Many people are trying to reduce（减少）the use of cars in Britain. Some cities now have special bicycle paths (小道) and many people go to work by bike. Some people also travel to work together in one car to reduce the pollution and cost.