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Tougher targets needed for new cars

Sep 12 2007

Commenting on today's proposals from the Government's transport advisers, the Commission for Integrated Transport, on how to cut carbon dioxide emissions from transport, Friends of the Earth's senior transport campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

"These proposals are a step in the right direction, but don't go far enough. Plans for teaching eco-driving are a good idea. But we need tougher targets for emissions from new cars; greater investment in alternatives to driving and cuts in spending on road building. The Government must start making these changes in next month's Pre-Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review."

"Plans to tackle aviation through emissions trading will have little impact unless they are dramatically strengthened. The Government must include international aviation emissions in its proposals for a new climate change law and stop airport expansion."

The Government should:

• introduce mandatory carbon dioxide targets for new cars aiming to double current fuel efficiency by 2020, these are about 20% tougher than targets suggested by CfIT
• invest in `smarter choices' - things like travel planning for companies and investment in cycling and walking.
• cut spending on road building
• use fiscal measures to cut aviation emissions
• introduce a moratorium on new runways
• include international aviation emissions in its proposals for a new climate change law

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