Transport and the Environment: Research and Policy Issues

This paper provides a response from the Institute for Transport Studies to the invitation from the Royal Commission to provide evidence for its investigation into transport and the environment. This evidence is presented under the headings, though not in the same order as, set out in the original letter of invitation. The main focus of our response is to present recommendations for reducing the environmental impact of transport consistent with the requirements for sustainability. We highlight areas where there are gaps in understanding about the environmental impact of transport and where further research, understanding and action is needed. Whilst recognising the impact that all forms of transport can have on the environment we mainly refer in this paper to surface motorised forms of travel, particularly private and commercial vehicles. Given the burgeoning literature on transport and the environment we have been selective in our approach, choosing to draw on work primarily undertaken within the Institute for Transport Studies itself or in collaboration with others. For the sake of the reader we have tried to be brief.