Lower speed limit could mean more courier CO2 emissions
Date: 05 February 2008
Local UK authorities have been warned that lowering speed limits from 30mph to 20mph - which would hold up couriers and owner drivers - could have a negative environmental effect.
Research from the AA found that altering the speed limit in this way on the wrong roads could increase tailpipe CO2 emissions by more than ten per cent.
Car fuel consumption on longer 20mph urban streets can be made worse by 5.8 miles per gallon, the study found. Courier drivers would also find that their vans were using more petrol in this way - adding to fuel cost pressures already experienced by owner drivers.
The AA has called for further research into the impact of 20mph zones before any widespread rollout.
"Transport and highways planners have little or no official guidance on the environmental impact of 20mph speed limits," said AA president Edmund King.
"It would be a bitter and unpalatable irony if local authorities, that have targeted owners of larger vehicles with environmental charges, are found guilty of pumping up CO2 emissions through indiscriminate use of 20mph restrictions."
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