At "The Earth Summit" in Rio in 1992 governments met to discuss the state of the environment and the actions that were necessary to preserve the planet for future generations. From this summit governments worked on producing policies to implement the results of the discussions.

In 1997 governments met in Kyoto and agreed to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. The European Union is obliged under the Kyoto convention on Climate Change to reduce emissions by 8% of 1990 levels by the year 2010. Since both NO_x 's and CO₂ are classed as greenhouse gases governments are concentrating on developing policies and strategies to combat increasing car use. Whilst car manufacturers are investing millions of pounds into improving the efficiency of current internal combustion engines and developing alternatives that reduce the amount of greenhouse gas production.

Figure 9: opportunities to reduce greenhouse emissions produced by transport activities.

UK and the Cost of driving in the new millennium

In the UK the government produced a consultation paper in 1997 from which the transport white paper "A new deal for transport: Better for everyone" was developed. The white paper emphasises the need to improve transport choice and reduce car dependency, both are at the centre of a strategy to reduce greenhouse emissions.

The government believes that "Left unchecked, road traffic could grow by more than a third in the next twenty years" and the new approach that they suggest incorporates;

• Local Transport Plans, to promote integration and traffic management, improve public transport and make it easier to walk and cycle.
• Better bus services, with local Quality Partnerships, exclusive contracts in some areas, extra help for rural buses and concessionary fares for all elderly people.
• Better rail services, with a Strategic Rail Authority, a better deal for passengers and encouragement for rail freight.
• A one-stop national public transport information system to help plan seamless journeys.
• Revised planning guidance to reduce the need to travel.
• A new deal for motorists, including better information, road maintenance and consumer protection.
• A Commission for Integrated Transport to keep up the momentum for continuing improvement.

In addition there is an "imaginative" proposal to "allow local councils to charge on congested roads or introduce workplace parking charges, provided they plough back the money into transport improvements". Authorities will be able to introduce charges for use of the road networks in a designated area or for driving on specific roads, either at all times or at specified times.

The schemes could be based either on a requirement to buy and display a permit or disk. Or sophisticated electronic charging technology could be used where a device is mounted inside the car and equipment on the roadside automatically charges the vehicle as it passes, toll-booths might also be used.

It appears that this strategy is a foregone conclusion at least in London. "Road pricing will have to be introduced sooner rather than later in central London...as the only effective way of maintaining accessibility and a civilised environment"

Task 3

The charging scheme mentioned is not compulsory and local traffic authorities / councils have been invited to put forward proposals for local schemes if they choose. The various projects would then have to be piloted in a reduced form before being fully implemented.

What charging schemes, or transport policy is your local authority either currently carrying out or intending to carry out to reduce congestion, pollution?

How do you think local traffic could be improved? What do you see as the main advantages and disadvantages of using your own local public transport?