Transport Strategies

The environmental effects of transport

Transport is a major cause to UK air pollution and second only to the contribution of power stations.

The environmental effects of transport are varied:

• Consumption of fuel
• Emissions to air
• Noise
• Congestion
• Size of vehicle and loading
• Route scheduling
• Fleet management

• How employees travel to work
• Siting of new premises

Addressing such issues given above will enable the company to reduce the impact of air quality and vehicle emissions legislation upon the business. (Namely arising from the Fuel Directive, the Vehicle Directive, the Inspection and Monitoring Directive, the Local Measures Directive and also the UK Air Quality Strategy). Improving transport efficiency will also bring other incentives such as cost savings.

Where to begin

Key points to consider

The following key areas should be primarily focused upon when embarking upon an improvement strategy for transport and in gaining top management commitment:

• Rising fuel costs
• Congestion and meeting deliveries
• Delivery restrictions and parking in air quality management zones (local authorities have regulatory powers to prevent vehicles going into 'hot spots' within areas of poor air quality).
• Legislation on vehicle emissions and vehicle costs
• Local Agenda 21 and local deliveries
• The effect of packaging waste legislation eg: on deliveries