Reports:
Transport and climate change - CfIT response to Defra consultation
Section 5: What should be the role of industry and other stakeholders in developing and implementing low carbon vehicle and fuel technologies?
5.0.1 When setting up the new framework for further emission reductions, the Government should also address the role of other stakeholders in reducing CO2 emissions from passenger vehicles, goods vehicles and the aviation industry.
5.0.2 While it is important to recognise that motorists, public authorities, energy providers and NGOs also have an important role to play, it is also crucial that there is synergy between reducing emissions, wealth creation and economic growth. In other words, reducing demand for energy needs to be profitable for the private sector and close and effective partnership with stakeholders from the automotive, energy, and other sectors is vital to accelerate the take up of cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles through tax incentives and grants.
5.0.3 One way forward might see the creation of a forum to maximise the potential for UK business to gain competitive advantage.
5.0.4 In terms of transport, vehicle manufacturers, energy producers and airlines, public transport, freight and other fleet operators need to work closely with bodies such as the CfIT, DTI, Defra, DfT, the Treasury, the UK Energy Research Centre and the Carbon Trust to bring new technologies to market as quickly as possible, and to ensure that such technologies are viable to produce and affordable to buy, and that customer incentives will be in place long term. Such an approach could encourage the development of approaches such as:
- Diesel exhaust treatment;
- Advanced transmissions and engine management systems for cars, lorries and buses;
- On-board energy management and use of lighter weight materials;
- The wider availability of alternative fuels;
- Encouraging and funding research into 'green flight' initiatives for the aviation industry.
5.0.5 The Government should develop a 'route map' for future fuel infrastructure, which determines the timescale, legislation and investment required and is designed in consultation with stakeholders. This routemap would not be confined to technological solutions such as has already been done for hydrogen for example. This would involve demonstrating leadership and commitment to the innovation of low carbon vehicle technologies and fuels over the longer term and this will provide the industry with a much needed statement of direction.
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