HC Deb 27 May 2004 vol 421 cc1773-4W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the total reduction in vehicle kilometres that would result from a(a) 10 per cent., (b) 20 per cent. and (c) 50 per cent. increase in average vehicle occupancy. [172336]

Mr. McNulty

It is estimated that the decrease in vehicle kilometres for cars, taxis and vans as a result of an increase in vehicle occupancy would be as follows:

Percentage increase in

vehicle occupancy
10 20 50
Resultant percentage change in

vehicle kilometres

 -9 -17 -33
Vehicle kilometres by cars, taxis and vans (billion)
Current (2002) 447 447 447
Following decrease in occupancy 407 373 298
Change -41 -75 -149

This assumes that the occupancy increase is a result of increased trip sharing and therefore fewer trips, and not, for example, from a shift of passengers from other modes of transport. It is also assumed that an increase in occupancy does not result in an increase in trip length (i.e. passenger kilometre figures stay fixed).