Chapter 9 An Economic Perspective: The Cost-Effectiveness of Carbon Reduction Measures in Transport

Abstract

Purpose – To examine the cost-effectiveness of UK government policy with respect to the mitigation of carbon emissions from the transport sector.

Methodology/approach – Existing policy as set out by the Department for Transport in Low Carbon Transport: A Greener Future is examined. This document elaborates a Low Carbon Transport Strategy intended to achieve annual emissions savings of 17.7 MtCO2 by 2020. A wide range of policy areas where further action could be taken to reduce carbon emissions are examined and their cost-effectiveness considered.

Findings – Measures that influence behaviour including smarter choices, eco-driving across modes, freight best practice and modest price increases are highly cost-effective. More cost-effective routes to saving 17.7 MtCO2 are identified, as are further cost-effective savings.

Originality/value – It appears that government targets could be delivered and indeed exceeded at lower cost than the Low Carbon Transport Strategy. However, policy development is influenced by a wide range of factors which help to explain why cost-effective measures are not always fully exploited.

Citation

Bristow, A.L. and Zanni, A.M. (2012), "Chapter 9 An Economic Perspective: The Cost-Effectiveness of Carbon Reduction Measures in Transport", Ryley, T. and Chapman, L. (Ed.) Transport and Climate Change (Transport and Sustainability, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 225-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9941(2012)0000002012