Freight transport as an environmental problem

by Jack Short

Examines a number of issues in relation to freight transport and the environment. Analyse traffic trends and forecasts. Summarises the environmental effects and discusses the concept of sustainable transport. Explains how sustainability needs to be incorporated in appraisal methodology. Comments on the recent EU Green Paper on transport and the environment and also the White Paper on the EU's future transport policy. Briefly explores some policy options.

Reducing the impact of freight transport on global warming: the potential of technical solutions

by David Martin, William Cannell & Ken Gwilliam

Considers how technology policies in relation to vehicle design, engine technology and alternative fuels can help to reduce global warming effects of transport, and outlines current EU research programmes. Presents, in table form, an appraisal of alternative technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shows their advantages, disadvantages and uncertain potential to create a strong need for a strategy for technology to fine the best, obtain the best from it and control its use. Outlines four key areas for R&D but concludes that a technology strategy is not enough on its own and needs to be integrated into a general transport policy.

Economic instruments for sustainable mobility: the case of freight transport

by Gert Jan Koopman

Gives an overview of how economic instruments might be used to reconcile the contribution of transport to economic prosperity while safeguarding the environment. Adopts an economic theory perspective to evaluate possible instruments. Argues that because the costs of many of the environmental effects of transport are not taken into account by private agents, environmental resources are overused and corrective action may be taken by governments. Formulates several criteria and discusses a set of first best policy measures. Discusses the merits and drawbacks, and the transport, energy and economic effects of increased fuel taxes and argues that, by themselves, they are not likely to lead to and efficient and effective environmental policy. Discusses innovative additional instruments. Inspects current EU measures and argues that a strengthening of actions which have already been introduced is necessary to achieve sustainable mobility. Discusses a number of illustrative but quantified transport scenarios and presents an outlook for increasing the role of market-based transport policies in the EU.

The European railways perspective

by John Markham

Argues that the railways in Europe will play an increasingly important part in achieving the goal of sustainable mobility to which the EU is committed. Provides comparative statistics showing how the relative fortunes of Europe's railways have varied during the period 1971-1990. Outlines the principles underlying the European Commission's approach to the proposed combined transport network, and discusses the contribution of the railways to it. Argues that, since freight traffic values will continue to increase and that the external costs of railways are very low, while those of roads are excessive, there is a strong case for the development of the combined transport network, in which a high priority must be given to the internationalisation of external costs if the goal of sustainable mobility is to be achieved.

Potential forms of regional economic co-operation to reduce goods transport

by Helmut Holzapfel

Defines what constitutes a region and seeks to answer the question: what can be done to avoid the trend towards increasing goods transport distances and the replacement of regional by supra-regional co-operation? Suggests three sets of measures, namely: regional information systems to improve market transparency; installation of multiple forms of regional co-operation with appropriate devolution of financial and regulatory powers; and greater orientation of traffic infrastructures towards regional transport interests. Uses the example of a specific manufactured food product to illustrate the transport savings and other advantages of co-ordinated regional supply. Concludes that, in spite of specified limitations, there is a major overall potential for regionalisation measures.

Fiscal measures as part of a European policy on freight transport

by Arie N. Bleijenberg

Views fiscal measures as an important tool to tackle the environmental problems posed by road haulage. Focuses on the possibility of increasing excise duties on motor fuels. First describes the environmental and economic rationales behind such a measure. Presents a rough estimate of the level of excise duty needed to cover the full costs of road transportation. Summarises the main environmental and economic effects of higher fuel prices. Includes a brief discussion of the implications of transport prices for income distribution in relation to the peripheral regions of the European Community.

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