Prof Peter Jones, transport planner who helped keep 'peak car' debate running awarded an OBE

Professor Peter Jones has been awarded an OBE for his voluntary service as an independent transport commissioner who has led research into travel trends and adding to transport planning's understanding of changes in the nature of travel behaviour.

The Queen's New Year's Honours, announced at the weekend, lauded Jones, professor of transport and sustainable development at UCL, for his ITC work that has kept the debate over whether car use is peaking alive. Last month the commission unveiled research that Jones helped steer suggested that car ownership is becoming less important for today's young people.

The commission in a statement hailed his "inspiring leadership of our groundbreaking 'road and rail travel trends research'".