Tough interim transport carbon reduction targets have been set by the Government.

The targets will only be met if fleets adopt low carbon vehicles and work towards reducing their overall carbon emissions over the next decade.

The Government's intention is to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 14% over the next 10 years.

The new carbon reduction strategy, which has just been published by the Department for Transport, sets out the policies and proposals for reducing transport sector emissions by 2022.

 

It predicts that the average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.

There is already a long-term target of reducing CO2 emissions from transport by 80% by 2050.

Transport secretary, Andrew Adonis said the strategy gives businesses more low carbon choices about when, where and how to travel or transport goods.

"Our strategy sets out a long-term vision for a fundamentally different transport system in our country, where carbon reduction is a central consideration in the way we do business,” he said.

The strategy sets out how to achieve a shift to new technologies and fuels; promotes lower carbon choices; and how market mechanisms can be used to encourage the shift to lower carbon transport.

Within the measures is a commitment to regulate CO2 from new vans, including clear targets for the medium and long-term.

It also sets a path to develop an ultra-low carbon van market “whilst respecting the diversity of the van market”.