New research commissioned by sustainable transport group Greener Journeys addresses the fact that prices at the pump are currently 13% lower than they would have been if fuel duty had been increased in line with inflation.
Researchers estimate that this has resulted in 60 million fewer rail journeys and 200 million fewer bus journeys in favour of private car trips since fuel duty was last increased in January 2011, triggering an increase in harmful emissions.
“While the freeze in fuel duty has been welcomed by many road users there have been unintended consequences in terms of increased pollution and congestion and a shift from public transport to car use, which policy makers should be aware of if they continue with this policy,” said author of the report and former Government transport advisor Professor David Begg.
“The Chancellor has said he will increase fuel duty in line with inflation at the next Budget. It is vital that Government delivers on this commitment as a minimum if it is to send the right price signals to consumers.”
Greener Journeys chief executive Claire Haigh added: “If ever there was a moment for Government to be honest with the public and show leadership it’s now.
“The price of fuel is one of the most politically divisive issues in the country. However, we know that diesel cars and vans are the biggest contributors to harmful NOx emissions, which are creating a public health emergency in the UK.”
Motoring group the RAC has contested the report’s call to reverse the freeze on fuel duty. “Petrol and diesel prices are currently at a three and a half year high and there is the prospect of them reaching record levels if the oil price continues to climb,” said the group’s roads policy spokesman Nicholas Lyes.
“We should be talking about the Government acting to help bring prices back into check by lowering fuel duty to protect the economy – not putting up tax on fuel.”
He added: “In terms of public transport, the simple fact of the matter is that outside major cities, provision continues to be exceptionally patchy. This means many people have no realistic alternative to using a car.”
He also called for greater investment in public transport and for a national debate on how road use will be paid for in the future.
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