Big traffic calming schemes increase emissions says AA

The pro-motoring group believes better evaluation of the C02 impact of road schemes and smarter use of simple measures could be more effective than ‘grandiose projects.’

AA president, Edmund King, spoke out on while discussing urban mobility at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum in London today (9 September).

He saved particular criticism for 20mph speed zones which he believes are being rolled out across the country without a proper assessment of their impact on C02.

And, what he called the ‘poor implementation’ of park and ride schemes, which he claimed led to many like one in Brighton recently being scrapped.

Mr King said: “If we are smart about urban transport we can reduce C02 and congestion without spending millions.

“Congestion and C02 can be reduced by improving traffic flow through co-ordination of road works, phasing of lights and good parking policy.

“If we continually obstruct traffic with excessive traffic calming, we will increase congestion and C02.

“New technology to improve fuel efficiency will be the biggest contribution to reducing CO2 from road transport.”

Luke Walsh