Transcript Document
Towards a Sustainable Transport System - the implications for transport planners Presentation to TPS Board 18 November 2008 Billy Parr LB Waltham Forest Outline • • • Timeline Key messages from Eddington and Stern Government response • Implications of the Government’s response - Carbon reduction - Road pricing - New approach to transport planning - Scheme assessment - Future schemes - Governance - Job prospects Timeline Jul 05: Dec 06: Jan 08: Autumn 08: Stern commissioned Eddington Report published Interim consultation Full consultation Spring 09: White Paper Mar 05: Oct 06: Oct 07: Jul 08: Early 09: Eddington commissioned Stern Review published TASTS published Progress update Green Paper Stern Key economics The messages of climate change “Establishing a carbon price essential” “Stabilisation of CO² emissions is feasible” “Global cost of 1% of GDP per annum” “… one of the most expensive sectors from which to cut emissions” Eddington Key messages Long-term impacts of transport on economy “Widespread road-user charging essential” “Network broadly in the right places” “Sophisticated policy mix” “…focus on urban areas, international “ …not seduced by grands projets ” gateways and inter-urban corridors” Government response Towards a Sustainable Transport System (TASTS) • ‘Rich and dirty’ or ‘poor and green’ is false dichotomy • Policy objectives rejigged, with ‘less carbon’ rising to second • Reasonable coverage of most issues…… ……but lacking commitment in key areas? Government response Key areas • Supports carbon pricing • Adoption of long-term decision-making cycle…. • …coupled with NATA refresh • Scope for new governance arrangements • Supports creation of IPC Implications In order of perceived importance - Carbon reduction Road pricing New approach to transport planning Scheme assessment Future schemes Governance Job prospects Carbon reduction Scale of challenge • Carbon pricing and reduction trajectories crucial • Inclusion of aviation in EU Emissions Trading scheme • Need to factor carbon into decision making process • Currently lack of clarity over weighting of goals Road pricing Significant discrepancy • Eddington advocates widespread scheme by 2015…. ……but DfT focus still on local ‘pilot’ schemes • Anti-road pricing petition a factor in this? Consequences • Lack of clear direction for transport planners • Onus for developing schemes remains at local level • Reconciliation issues New approach to planning Consequences • Funding restricted to only the most worthwhile schemes? • Linked to IPC, timely and resource efficient decision making? Assessment Need to ‘listen to the numbers’ • NATA refresh • Monetisation of full economic and carbon-related impacts likely to feature highly However • Increasing complexity of assessment and appraisal? • Loose commitment to NATA lite Future schemes DfT support for Eddington’s take on small scale schemes • Uncertain future for High Speed Rail Governance Potential reform of governance arrangements • Creation of Integrated Transport Authorities • Extension of existing PTA powers and remit ITA powers Bus quality contracts Highway maintenance Quality partnerships Traffic calming Bus priority Local Transport Plans Strategic road and rail powers However • Lack of commitment in TASTS means that the benefits of ITAs may never be fully realised Job prospects • Additional workload as a result of more rigorous NATA framework? • Need for development of new skills? • Possible reshuffle of public sector structures? Conclusion • TASTS will have some positive implications • Lack of detail and commitment in key areas such as road pricing • Unless rectified by time of next White Paper, significant difficulties for transport planners as a result • Biggest single issue going forward will be the need to reduce transport-related carbon emissions Thank you for listening Any questions? [email protected]