Government urged to cut transport emissions
December 1, 2008
A new report from the Campaign for Better Transport has urged the Government to do more to cut transport emissions in the UK.
The study recommends that ministers concentrate on the areas where the greatest possible savings can be made, eg emissions from lorries and vans, and those created by long-distance commuters. An additional tax on air passengers is also proposed.
The Campaign for Better Transport claims that, by refocusing its policies in the manner suggested, the Government could reduce emissions from UK transport by over a quarter by 2020. The reductions would include:
- passenger travel emissions - down 32%
- freight emissions - down by up to 19%
- cars - 25% more fuel efficient
- car traffic - down by 15%
- emissions from domestic aviation - down by 30%
Another conclusion to arise from the report is that attempts to put the blame for transport emissions on those who drive their children to school are misguided. The Government's own figures indicate that the "school run" accounts for a mere 4% of the UK's carbon emissions from passenger transport.
In response, the Government claims it is taking freight from the roads and assisting people to make greener choices for local travel.
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