Matching transport technologies to social trends in vehicle usage

Critical issues in decarbonising transport

Research Theme 2 - Decarbonising Modern Societies
Project ID - T2.22

Primary contact: Mr Malcolm Fergusson

The following information is currently available:

Final technical report

For Tyndall Centre Technical Report 8 see attachment: Skinner, I., Fergusson, M., Kröger, K., Kelly, C. and Bristow, A. (2004) Critical Issues in Decarbonising Transport

Technical summary

There is an increasing recognition, both at the scientific and policy levels, that reconciling the need to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions with existing, or even increasing, levels of transport will require the development and use of new low carbon technologies in the transport sector. The project will identify potential pathways to low carbon transport futures by examining in detail the various factors that might affect the way in which low carbon technologies might be introduced. It will do this by characterising the various technological options available in the transport sector and considering the suitability of each for the various transport modes, vehicle fleets etc. It will also consider the future pattern of journey types and purposes and the extent to which these might influence the shape of the transport system as a whole, particularly the way in which aspects of the transport system might be subsequently perceived and used. In determining possible pathways, the project will also examine the obstacles and drivers, including economic, technical, political, safety and behavioural considerations, that would influence the possible pathways to a low carbon transport future. The implication of each of these pathways, both in terms of their impacts on the transport sector and the environment would also be assessed. It is expected that the outcome of the project will contribute to the ongoing debate in the UK about low carbon transport futures, such as the Powering Future Vehicles programme.