Age
34

Education
Degree in environmental science from Middlesex University.

So, what do you actually do?
I’m Streets for People campaigner at Transport 2000. I provide advice to communities who are blighted by traffic problems, on how to campaign for change and be more pro-active in tackling traffic problems themselves.

What makes your job so ethical?
Transport 2000 campaigns for environmental transport solutions that give people real alternatives to the car. This is so important because of climate change, but also because walking and cycling are good for health, and traffic fumes have been shown to cause asthma. There is also the social exclusion issue of traffic and transport. Children’s loss of freedom, because of traffic and busy roads, is something I care passionately about.

How did you get into the job?
I started off when I was 20, doing direct action to stop logging in an endangered habitat. Although it felt like I was doing something, the real decisions were being made by politicians. I wanted to be able to talk their language, so I did my degree and got a job as a countryside ranger. Later I worked for CTC, a cycling organisation, which gave me some good basic knowledge of transport and traffic issues.

What does your typical day involve?
I do lots of talking to local residents with traffic problems and working out solutions with them. I also produce information for our website, for MPs and for local councils to influence policy.

What kind of personality is suited to working in a job like yours?
It helps being quite out going. You have to be forward enough to talk to anyone, on radio or in front of a camera. It also helps if you are passionate.

What skills and experience do you need to work in this sector?
A vivid imagination. Campaigning is as much about having good ideas as it is about being able to communicate them.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had?
The day we announced the winners of our "rat-run" competition. The media went wild, and I ended up on every national radio and television station. The representative from the winning street opened his door in the morning to half a dozen photographers!

What is the worst thing about your job?
Dare I say it? Senior Ministers who think they know best.


Transport 2000
www.transport2000.org.uk