MPs Committee publishes report on cutting transport carbon emissions
Sat 08 July 2006
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The Environmental Audit Committee's latest report calls on the Department for Transport to speed up progress in tackling the climate change impacts of the road transport sector.
The report - 'Reducing Carbon Emissions from Transport' - raises particular concern over road transport (as well as aviation), calling for sector specific targets, increased taxes on the most inefficient cars and reduced or effectively enforced speed limits.
The EAC said that the Government should take more decisive action to shift the balance of affordability in favour of trains, buses, and lower carbon cars and lorries.
One of the Committee's leading recommendations is that the existing differentials for Vehicle Excise Duty should be widened significantly to encourage greener choices, to levels recommended by the Government's Sustainable Development Commission (to £1,800 for the highest carbon cars).
The Committee's report states that DfT's shared (with DTI and Defra) PSA target is failing to "shine a light on the Department's efforts and hold it to account". They recommend the establishment of a sector-specific target for carbon emissions from transport.
The EAC expressed disappointment at the UK's progress towards the Voluntary Agreement (VA) targets, stating that on current trends the UK's car fleet - lagging behind the European average - would not meet the 2008 EU target of 140g/km until 2022. The Committee welcomed the Transport Secretary's hints that the VA might be succeeded by a mandatory approach to carbon emissions.
On road user charging the Committee said that the Secretary of State must clarify the aims of this, and make an unequivocal commitment to using road charging to significantly cut CO2 emissions.
While acknowledging the Government's reluctance to lower or rigorously enforce the motorway speed limit, the Committee want ministers to be bold in taking action in this area. The Committee believe that beyond any direct impacts, the enforcement of lower motorway speeds would help to raise public awareness of the critical reality of climate change.
The other main recommendations for the Government relating to road transport included:
- the closer examination of the VIBAT study; considered a key resource in quantifying different policy instruments and timelines.
- continued cooperation with the Energy Saving Trust in delivering transport fuel infrastructure grants
- support for the introduction of Smarter Choice measures and the incorporation of eco-driving training into the driving test.
- planning policy to be focused much more closely on climate impacts of new developments. Planning regulations to be adapted to reduce reliance on car use.
- the adoption of a more strategic approach to climate change issues. Transport powers devolved to regional and local authorities must include much more guidance on the incorporation of CO2 impacts into decision making.
- the encouragement of a modal shift from cars to buses; to also encourage the introduction of low carbon buses and measures to be included in the review of the Powering Future Vehicles Strategy.
Related Links
Link to the Committee Report
Link to LowCVP Submission to EAC Inquiry
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