Road pricing linked to environmental priorities in the form of an Eco Levy, combined with free public transport, are critical measures required to tackle climate change, claims a study supported by a consortium of leading NGOs.
The report, published by Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and Transport for Quality of Life (TfQL), acknowledges that no city has yet tried the combination of a mileage-based Eco Levy and free public transport but “this is the kind of transformative policy that is now needed”.
The report argues that if only 50% of new car sales are electric by 2030 (the UK government’s current minimum aim), car mileage will have to be reduced by 60% for the required level of emissions reductions to be achieved.
TfQL said in a statement: “Rapid action to reduce car use will only be fair and command public consent if it takes place in parallel with big changes to our transport system that give people decent, clean and affordable ways of travelling to work, education and services, by foot, bike or low-carbon public transport.
“So, in order to be able to meet our obligation to act on climate change, we need to recognise a basic right for everyone to be able to live decently without having to own or drive a car.”
To read the report in full, please visit: https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/print/pdf/node/142
