Archived press release

Government car-sharing plans likely to increase traffic

20 March 2006

Government plans to introduce car-sharing lanes on two of Britain's motorways are likely to lead to an increase in traffic, Friends of the Earth warned today.

The two motorways where car-sharing lanes are being introduced will be widened to accommodate the scheme. This will increase road capacity and is likely to encourage more traffic on to the roads. Road traffic has already risen by 11 per cent since Labour came to power.

Friends of the Earth transport campaigner, Roger Higman said:

"We welcome car-sharing schemes, but this is the wrong way to go about doing it. The Government should have used an existing motorway lane - rather than building a new one. This is likely to increase traffic - not cut it. With `green' initiatives like this it is little wonder that traffic and carbon dioxide emissions have risen under Labour."

"The Government must take real action to tackle climate change. The Chancellor can make a start in his Budget by introducing measures that penalize gas-guzzlers and encourage people to buy more fuel efficient vehicles instead with a zero road tax incentive."

Traffic levels have risen under Labour, despite a promise by Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, to reduce them. Traffic levels are now about 11 per cent higher than 1997. Last year Government figures revealed that motoring costs fell by seven per cent in real terms between 1997 and the end of 2004. Over the same period the cost of traveling by bus (11%) and train (4 %) rose [6]. According to DfT 'Transport Trends' emissions by source from road transport rose from 32.1 MtC in 1997 to 32.6 MtC in 2003 [7].

The environmental campaign group said that Gordon Brown must put the fight against climate change at the centre of his Budget and has outlined a number of measures he should take to make it cheaper and easier for people to save energy [8].

• Introduce a new zero-rated tax disc (VED) for the most fuel efficient cars, and a higher rate for gas-guzzling vehicles. At present the VED for the most polluting cars is only £100 more expensive than for the least polluting vehicle. Friends of the Earth says that the biggest gas-guzzlers should pay at least £500 [9].

• Introduce nationwide council tax rebates and cut stamp duty for low-carbon, energy efficient homes. This would provide an extra incentive for householders to be more energy efficient, and install micro-generation systems (such as solar panels, and small wind turbines) [10].

• End the bizarre tax anomaly whereby householders are charged more than three times as much tax for saving energy as they are for using it. At present consumers only pay five per cent VAT for using energy. But if they want to save it by buying and installing insulation, they are charged 17.5 per cent VAT. Around 40 per cent of heat loss in a typical home is through the walls and loft. The Chancellor should reduce VAT on insulation to five per cent at the next Budget.

• Introduce tax breaks, grants and other incentives for householders to install micro-generation systems.

Friends of the Earth is also calling on the Government to:

• Make its Code for Sustainable Building stronger and compulsory. The Government's code suggests numerous ways for new buildings to reduce their environmental impact, for example by making them highly energy and water efficient. But the voluntary standards are weak and likely to be ignored by most builders.

• Set an annual carbon budget. This would be an annual assessment to ensure that the UK is on target to meet its carbon dioxide reduction targets. The Government would then be able to take policy steps to ensure that these targets are met. Friends of the Earth - and others - are also calling for the Government to set legally binding targets for making annual reductions in carbon dioxide. The campaign now has the support of most MPs. More info at www.thebigask.com

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust