Improved networks not punishments ‘key to CO2 cuts’

17 April 2008
 
Councils should focus more on upgrading road networks rather than penalising motorists, in order to reduce carbon emissions, according to the AA.

Research by the AA found that cutting queuing time by just one minute a day on three major roads leading into a city could save more than 645t of extra CO2 a year. This compares with the 590t of CO2 that Buckinghamshire County Council said it would save by switching off 2,000 streetlights – one of a number of local authority initiatives which the AA claims penalise the motorist.

Edmund King, the AA’s president, said: ‘Current council policies to reduce CO2 focus on the car-user rather than on what the council could do. So, in terms of parking policy, residents with cars are penalised for the size of their engines (Richmond) or the length of their cars (Norwich).

‘Drivers also lose out when streetlights are turned off.’ He said councils should be accountable for CO2 reduction by upgrading gridlocked junctions, co-ordinating roadworks and reducing waiting times at traffic lights.

Cllr David Trigg, cabinet member for traffic, transport and parking on Richmond council, said: ‘We agree that improving traffic flow can reduce engine emissions, as well as schemes such as our £3M improvement of Richmond town centre aim to keep motorists on the move. ‘However, the best way to reap major savings in CO2 emissions from vehicles is to encourage people to use cars less.’

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