Transport study call to slash carbon emissions

A study published today by a renowned environment research unit at York University has predicted the carbon footprint generated by the nation's transport networks could be reduced by up to 76 per cent by 2050.

A quarter of the greenhouse gases produced in the UK are from transport, and it is increasing emissions faster than any other sector of the economy.

Growing levels of car use, road freight and aviation have created major problems in reducing transport's emissions, although researchers from the Stockholm Environment Institute maintain massive reductions can be achieved with a departure from traditional policies.

The co-author of the study, Prof John Whitelegg, said: "This project marks a significant break with traditional thinking that regards transport as too hard to deal with when it comes to greenhouse gas reduction.

"We have shown that the potential is much greater than anyone previously thought and that reductions in emissions go hand-in-hand with improvements in air quality, health and economic success."

The research has suggested that if the proposed measures are implemented, there would be substantial economic benefits as well as a significant fall in road deaths and injuries.

There would also be significant reductions in noise and air pollution and dramatic changes in urban design and planning to provide opportunities for walking, cycling and community cohesion.

The study's recommendations include a revamp of planning policies to create neighbourhoods and communities where it is possible to reach destinations on foot or by bicycle and public transport.

The research also calls for new approaches to the regionalisation of production and consumption to bring about reductions in road freight, as well as increases in the cost of transport to implement the so-called "polluter pays principle".

The study has also pointed towards the full de-carbonisation of the UK electricity supply system as envisaged by the Climate Change Committee, along with increasing the use of environmentally friendly technology such as plug-in electric vehicles or hydrogen fuel cells.

The results of the study have been sent to Government ministers as well as leading transport organisations including the AA, the RAC, the Association of Train Operating Companies and the British Shipping Council.

British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair, BAA and the Freight Transport Association are also being sent details.

Researchers have claimed that a phased programme of technological, financial and behavioural changes could secure a 100 per cent reduction in emissions from cars and lorries as well as rail transport.

The new policies could also achieve a 56 per cent reduction in carbon emissions for aviation and a 49 per cent fall in emissions from shipping.

Once all the elements are added together, the overall reduction for the UK's transport emissions over the next 40 years would be 76 per cent, according to the study.

Details of the report are available on the internet at

www.sei-international.org

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