More public transport investment and less roadbuilding key to lower carbon emissions, say campaigners

30 June 2016

The government is to adopt last November’s recommendation by its climate adviser, Committee on Climate Change (CCC), as part of the long-term plan to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

James MacColl, Head of Campaigns, Campaign for Better Transport, said:

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to lower carbon emissions, but we need much tougher action on transport. Extravagant spending on big new roads threatens to push transport emissions through the roof.

“To have a realistic hope of cutting carbon, we need to end the charade that electric cars will somehow magic the problems away and seriously invest in better public transport, cycling and walking now.

“Getting more people out of their cars won’t just help tackle climate change, but would lower congestion, reduce air pollution and improve public health, too.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Richard Watkins on 020 7566 6494 / 07984 773 468 or richard.watkins@bettertransport.org.uk

Notes to Editors

• Read details of the government’s Fifth Carbon Budget here – Carbon Budgets
• The 2008 Climate Change Act established a target for the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050. This is intended to be consistent with efforts to limit global warming to 2°C. The idea of the plan is to ensure regular progress towards this long-term target through five-yearly carbon budgets.
• Under the 2008 Act, the independent Committee on Climate Change (CCC) publishes formal advice on carbon budgets which the Government then responds to. The CCC published its advice on the 5th carbon budget in November 2015, covering the period 2028-2032.
• The first four carbon budgets to 2027 have been set in law. The UK is currently in the second carbon budget period (2013-17). Meeting the fourth carbon budget (2023-27) will require that emissions be reduced by 50% on 1990 levels in 2025.
• Campaign for Better Transport is the UK’s leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people’s lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).