Fuel Tax Escalator

HC Deb 21 May 1999 vol 331 cc470-1W

Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what methodology is used to evaluate the effect on the environment of the fuel tax escalator. [83257]

Ms Glenda Jackson

We draw on a variety of methods to assess the impact on emissions of carbon dioxide and regulated emissions, as well as congestion. Most of these methods rely on models which forecast the behavioural impacts of the fuel duty escalator, and use these to estimate the effect on emissions. The models used include the National Road Traffic Forecasts model, in conjunction with the Vehicle Market Model employed by the Department to assess the impact of different policy instruments on vehicle fuel consumption and emissions.