Plans to cut CO2 emissions from transport announced

(Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Green transport measures that will cut carbon dioxide emissions by an additional 85 million tonnes were announced today by the Government.

Promotion of cycling, more high-speed rail and low-emission cars were part of the package put forward by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis.

He said he was determined to make public transport "a far more attractive choice".

But he added that building a greener future "does not mean government dictating which particular mode of travel people should use".

Publishing a low-carbon transport strategy, Lord Adonis said the measures would save an additional 85 million tonnes of CO2 over the period 2018-22.

Explaining what had already been done, including electric car schemes and targets for lower CO2 emissions from aviation, Lord Adonis said the Government would shortly announce plans for further electrification of the rail network.

Also, the Government would be emphasising the importance of addressing CO2 from transport in guidance to local and regional authorities as they begin to develop local plans and longer-term transport solutions.

Lord Adonis said the Government had also confirmed its commitment to working with European partners to develop an ambitious and realistic mechanism to reduce CO2 emissions from new vans.

He said he wanted to promote "more active modes of travel" such as cycling, adding that more than 60% of the population lived within a 15-minute bike ride of a railway station.

He said: "What I want is to widen the options so that it is easier and a natural part of life for people - and businesses - to go for the low-carbon option. Everyone can do something."

Campaign for Better Transport director Stephen Joseph said: "This strategy is a great first step and we welcome the recognition that we need to change behaviour as well as have green technology.

"But the good measures in it will be undermined by other Government transport policies, including expanding roads and airports and increasing rail fares above inflation.

"We're particularly disappointed that the Government has rejected our proposed carbon reduction fund for transport, which would have encouraged all kinds of groups and councils to bring forward low carbon transport projects."