DfT Refuses to Release Emissions Figures Behind Transport Decarbonisation Plan
The government is refusing to release the emissions figures behind its Transport Decarbonisation Plan, according to a report in the Guardian.
The request for the figures was made to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) by Professor Greg Marsden of the University of Leeds. He is supported by Transport Action Network.
Future Car Use
It was prompted by the DfT’s publication of long-term road traffic forecasts. They predict that vehicle miles travelled will increase between 8% and 54% from 2025 to 2060. The Core Scenario shows a 22% increase in traffic from 2025 to 2060.
This is not consistent with transport decarbonisation in line with the UK’s obligations. A shift to electric vehicles is not enough, and car use needs to be cut drastically to reach net zero.
The DfT’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan accepts this. It says a modal shift to public transport and active travel is needed, and we will use our cars less often in future.
Locally, the York & N Yorkshire region says that a 48% reduction in vehicle miles travelled is required. This is set out in the Routemap to Carbon Negative.
Both nationally and locally politicians and civil servants know what needs to be done but they have not put policies in place to do it. Instead they are left concealing information and fudging facts.
Professor Marsden says:
‘The key question is: why is it ok to release information about scenarios which are not government policy, but not to release information about scenarios which are?’
professor greg marsden
ICO Decision
The ICO agreed with Professor Marsden:
‘The Commissioner considers that there is a very strong public interest in publication of data that will assist the public in understanding policy decisions – especially those designed to be as far-reaching and long-lasting as the Transport Decarbonisation strategy. Disclosure will help the public to understand where the government’s proposals are too ambitious, not ambitious enough, or about right.’
ICO
DfT Appeal
The figures have not been released because the DfT has appealed against the ICO ruling.
The basis of the appeal is that transport decarbonisation is a ‘live policy’ and that being required to disclose the information could have an ‘inhibiting effect’ on discussing and developing ideas.
Value for Money of New Road Schemes
Transport Action Network believes the DfT is reluctant to state honestly and openly the cut in traffic that’s needed, because it would then undermine the case for new roads.
If traffic has to be cut, big road schemes will not show value for money.
The Climate Change Committee has criticised the government for relying heavily on technological fixes, including electric cars. It says that although the government acknowledges the need for modal shift, it is not taking action to achieve it.
Chris Todd of Transport Action Network says:
‘We need politicians to stop pretending that we can have our cake and eat it, and to accept the reality that spending on new roads ultimately makes things worse.’
chris todd