Van payload has little effect on CO2 figures
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HOW A VAN is loaded has a relatively minor influence in determining its overall CO2 emissions, according to a Department for Transport (DIT) report.
The research. led by environmental consultancy AEA on behalf of the DtT. looked into the effect payload and operational cycles have on overall van CO2 emissions and where possible savings could he made.
John Norris, AEA representative and project manager. says: "On our test, we found a fully loaded van weighs SO% more than the same van unladen, however, i t was surprising that CO2 emissions only went tip by approximately 7.8% on a combined cycle."
He added that on motorways. CO2 emissions were virtually loadindependent and at the national speed limit it is aerodynamics. more than anything else, that affects emissions.
"The results show the importance of choosing the right van for the job. Choosing a medium-sized van for motorway work, rather than a smaller vehicle, will increase CO2 emissions by roughly 40%, with corresponding fuel costs as well."
The rest of the report's findings could be used as a basis to establish a future graduated road-tax framework for vans.
A spokesman Mr the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says: "There's a widely held assumption that we are moving towards Some sort of emissions-based taxation, hut with such little knowledge at present on how vans operate in terms of operational cycles and the payloads and volumes carried within those environments,
any notion of tax
banding for LCVs
needs to be
approached cautioitsly"
The Freight Transport Association supports the principle of in
ccntiyising the uptake of low CO: vans. hut says there are issues about the figures as the "load needs to be factored in". A spokesman adds: "It should be achieved by reducing the cost for low CO2 emitters rather than punitive rates for larger-cngi n ed vans."