The facts
Our love of cars means the UK has the highest concentration of vehicles per kilometre of road in the world and demand continues to grow. Transport produces 25% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, the vast majority coming from road transport. As concern about climate change increases, car manufacturers, the government and consumers are seeking ways to reduce the contribution cars make to global warming.

What is industry and government doing?
Car manufacturers are developing low-polluting vehicles, such as hybrid cars – which use a combination of petrol and electricity – and entirely electric cars that run on batteries. The government has introduced road tax exemption for electric car owners and reduced road tax for those who drive cars with low CO2 emissions. All cars need to pass tougher emissions tests before they can be considered roadworthy. More toll roads have been introduced, along with congestion charging in London and other cities around the UK.

The campaign trail
The international organisation, Friends of the Earth, highlights the impact of cars on the environment. It encourages people to reduce their reliance on cars and look at alternative methods of getting around such as walking, cycling and using public transport. Individuals too are becoming more active. A new group called The Alliance Against Urban 4x4s has carried out protests against people who drive 4x4s, which are particularly fuel-greedy, and recently targeted parents who use them for the school run. According to Sian Berry, one of the founders of the group, ‘we have been trying to point out … that they're polluting the air and they are basically making a very irresponsible choice’.

What can you do?
Many websites offer advice on purchasing more fuel-efficient cars and tips for improving the fuel-efficiency of your car. For example, when you need to replace your car or are buying your first car consider investing in a new fuel efficient car. And don’t forget, regular maintenance of your car maintains fuel efficiency, which in turn reduces the impact you are making on the environment.

Connie
July/August 2005

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