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Less fuel used by 2000?

12th September 1981
Page 5
Page 5, 12th September 1981 — Less fuel used by 2000?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

SAVINGS of 25 per cent in transport fuel consumption could be achieved by the year 2000, and this saving would be gained through greater fuel efficiency of new vehicles and a better mix of cars and lorries, prepared according to a report prepared by the Transport Working Group of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation.

The savings, says Review of the UK Transport Energy outlook and policy Recommendations, depend on energy conservation policies being vigorously pursued by the Government and that Government and industry increase expenditure on research and development.

The report, published by the Department of Energy, said that unless energy conservation is maintained, fuel consumption by all forms of transport would probably rise from 31m tonnes in 1979 to around 50m tonnes by 2000. But with conservation, consumption could be kept down to 37m tonnes.

It is forecast that, despite predictions of a big increase in cars, liquid fuel consumption could be no greater than it is now.

The report says: "A world wide shift to more fuel-economical cars and other road vehicles must be expected, induced by the increasing cost of petroleum products. It is of prime importance that the UK road vehicle and component industries should not fall behind in the production of vehicles suited to meet changing demands of consumers."

The report recommends that petrol tax be kept in line with overall retail price movements with further widening of the tax differential in favour of diesel fuel. It wants the abolition of car tax on diesel cars, but is for its imposition on petrol engined vans and lorries.

There should be more should be done to encourage rapid technological change, including development of microprocessor controls, reduction in vehicle weight, development of battery technology for electric vehicles and of the processes for the production of synthetic fuels from coal.

It also wants a staged programme of further railway electrification as an insurance against oil shortages.


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