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Reward carbon-cutting hauliers with cheaper tolls: that’s the win-win scenario being presented by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) in Cardiff today (9 September 2009).
At the same time as calling on its members to remain committed to the carbon reduction agenda, FTA will urge politicians to reward this commitment through incentive schemes, such as reducing the cost of tolls on the Severn Crossing.
Speaking ahead the Welsh Carbon Conference, James Hookham, FTA’s director of policy, said:
"The logistics sector has already made great inroads into recording, reporting and reducing its carbon footprint, both in terms of greener vehicles and greater fuel efficiency. By providing rewards – like lower tolls – for vehicle operators, politicians can put down the stick and apply a little more carrot."
FTA is urging its members to ‘record, report and reduce’ their carbon output as part of the sector’s overall commitment to limiting the impact of climate change. However, it is also calling on politicians to add a fourth ‘R’: reward.
Hookham concluded:
"Applying a disincentive, like the recent increase in fuel duty, may work for motorists who have a choice, but for commercial vehicle operators they don’t have that luxury. Instead, politicians should be thinking about other more practical ways of reducing carbon emissions. That’s why we’re suggesting this 4R approach and why we’re keen to develop it further and more formally so that we can make it work for everyone."
