Health & Transport
Low Carbon Transport: A Greener Future
Department of Transport publication July 2009
'If more people make more use of public transport, there could be less congestion on our roads and less pollution in our atmosphere. We are therefore determined to make public transport a far more attractive choice.'
Lord Adonis
This report looks at how a move for the UK to a a low-carbon economy will present both challenges and opportunities for the transport sector in a future - where wider options of transport choice need to be available, greater consideration given to access for people and the location of goods, if we are to meet our obligations for massive reduction in CO2 by 2050. This report sets out a framework for action.
The Goverment will continue to support the development of low emmission buses, electrification of the railways, sustainable bio-fuels, and further investment in the bus industry - including free travel for disabled people and over 60's - with the aim of reducing emmissions from vehicles and encourage greater use of public transport. The report also identifies a need for greater integration between modes and pledges continued goverment support to encourage increased levels of walking and cycling. Local and regional authorities also need to consider access issues in spatial planning decision and how current and future technology could be employed to reduce the need to travel. There is also an acknowledgement that central Government needs to ensure that local and regional authorities have guidance and information available to them on best practice as the Department of Transport expects action on carbon reduction to be prioritised in the next round of Local Transport Plans.