Cars are a big problem for the Government's Carbon Reduction Strategy for Transport. This proposes a process of carbon budgets to address global climate change and reduction of carbon emissions, of which car emissions is one of the most challenging targets. The author looks at the feasibility of such a reduction. A number of approaches can be considered such as increasing the fuel efficiency of cars by improving petrol and diesel engines or using hybrid and electric vehicles. Another approach is to reduce the extent of car travel by reducing the desire to travel, or by using other modes of transport, or by improving the efficiency of road transport. The author comments on how increasing the fuel efficiency would not be enough. He looks at what can be done to reduce the extent to which drivers use their cars. Ideas for improving levels of car occupancy are considered, including rewards through incentives such as carbon accounts, and encouragement of behavioural change. In summary the author believes significant investment is required to extend public transport, and it is essential to increase car occupancy rates are essential. Otherwise the only alternative is to raise the cost of road use.
Abstract