Price carbon emissions into transport, says CILT study

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT) is arguing that transport pricing regimes for all modes should charge fully for carbon emissions and encourage off-peak travel and discourage additional peak demand that requires extra capacity and higher CO2 emissions.

In its special report, the 'Transport Use of Carbon Study', the Institute argues that with important future decisions to be made about the roll-out of electric cars and vans, high speed rail, demand management on roads and providing additional airport capacity, the way carbon is priced and the mix of electricity generation chosen will have a major effect on the amount of carbon used in these programmes.

CILT also recommends:
- Encouraging efficiency in internal combustion engines and trains to give lower fuel consumption.
- Reserving biofuels for use in aviation rather than surface transport.
- Ensuring that appraisal for transport schemes take full account of load factors, especially in encouraging more off-peak use rather than providing for more peak-time capacity and demand.

However, the Institute acknowledges that the analysis and findings in its report are subject to debate. For instance, the study is based on long-distance domestic travel, not local transport where the potential CO2 savings could be even greater. Also, available data in this area is fast-changing and clear indicative evidence is limited.

Tony Bolden, chairman of the report's Steering Group said: "Accurately assessing the carbon take of transport is not an exact science. Our report is intended to provoke debate and discussion by transport providers and policy-makers alike.

"In this regard, the Institute may seek to organise a further seminar of environmental experts, policy-makers and transport professionals in the New Year to draw out the conclusions further and provide a clearer view and stronger recommendations that could help transport operators and investors to make more informed decisions."

The report is available to read in full by clicking here