Transport hits an energy hi
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by Karen Miles • Lorries, cars and buses have overtaken other energy users and now account for a quarter of total energy consumption in the UK, says a Government report.
Since 1970 fuel used for road transport has nearly doubled, it says.
The report, Indicators of sustainable development for the United Kingdom, argues that despite modern engines, lorries, like cars, have not improved their fuel efficiency since 1970.
It blames falling load sizes, an increase in the average age of the lorry fleet because of economic conditions, increased congestion and longer average journeys. "Part of the reason for the increase in average distance moved by freight is because retailers, especially food retailers, are moving to central distribution systems," it adds.
Congestion has risen between 1970 and 1994 thanks to the increase in the share of freight carried by road from 89% to 95% and a doubling to 6,500 miles a year of the average number of miles travelled by car by each person per year.
Environment Secretary John Gummer said the Government needed to constantly refine policies so the economy is able to grown in a way which "does not cheat on our children". He said the report would help to promote debate on "how our own actions have an effect on the environment".