HC Deb 16 February 1994 vol 237 cc780-1W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what initiatives he is taking in the transport sector which, although primarily designed to achieve other ends including reducing traffic congestion or improving road safety, will have a beneficial effect on carbon dioxide emmissions.

Mr. Key

The most important measure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector is the commitment to raise fuel duties by at least 5 per cent. in real terms. This will save some 2.5MtC in the year 2000.

Other measures which will have a beneficial effect on carbon dioxide emissions include the introduction of an emissions check into the MOT test which encourages people to keep their engines in tune.

We have required speed limiters for new heavy lorries since August 1992 and for many of the heaviest existing lorries from August 1993.

We are also discussing with our partners in the European Union how best to encourage manufacturers to produce more fuel efficient cars.

The Government are supporting high investment in rail and it is working with the bus industry and local authorities on ways to make bus travel more attractive eg through traffic management measures to speed up journey times.

Together with the Department of the Environment, we are together looking at how planning controls can encourage new development to be located where it can reduce the need for car travel and increase transport choice.