Looking over the horizon - visioning and backcasting for UK transport policy

This booklet provides the executive summary for a research project using backcasting to determine the possibility of reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions from transport by 60% by 2030. Firstly targets were set for 2030, then the transport system that will meet the target was established. The third stage involves backcasting, where alternative policy packages are assembled to lead to the desired result for the future. International air travel emissions are considered a priority for international study and action.The new market economy and smart social policy options are described. Thenew market economy is dependent on hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels whereas the smart social policy is based on behavioural change with shorter local trips and more use of public transport, walking and cycling. Smallchanges around the edge of a business as usual policy will not deliver the carbon dioxide reduction target. The carbon reduction potential of low emission vehicles, alternative fuels, road pricing, liveable cities, information and communications technology, soft measures (planning), ecological driving, long distance travel substitution and freight transport efficiency improvements is outlined. Policy clustering is discussed. It is concluded that the 60% target reduction can be achieved only with no additional car travel but to achieve this behavioural change would have to be combined with technological innovation.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Department for Transport, England

    Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street
    London,   England  SW1P 4DR
  • Authors:
    • HICKMAN, R
    • BANNISTER, D
  • Publication Date: 2006

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Pagination: 23p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01090977
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: TRL
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Mar 31 2008 8:03AM