Memorandum submitted by Light Rail UK
(CIT 47)
The Committee requested written evidence on
the following points:
1. What is the real scope for individual
and local community action to contribute to tackling climate change?
Some areas for possible consideration include:
— increasing energy efficiency, in
particular the delivery of the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC);
Response: Increase low carbon public transport
as an alternative to the car in the urban area.
— reducing energy consumption—not
only electricity, but also energy used in heating and transportation;
Response: Prevent Dft from cancelling electric
based transport systems in favour of diesel bus based systems.
— the provision of desirable low carbon
alternatives, such as energy saving lightbulbs or using public
transport;
Response: Expand electric based public transport.
— the potential for, and barriers to,
microgeneration;
Response: Climate change needs tackling quickly.
The planning process is far too long and too much consideration
is given to NIMBY pressures on projects which will have an impact.
Examples
Nottingham phase 1 trams took 16 years from
conception to the first revenue earning service. Phase 2 is expected
to take another 7 years following a vast amount of (paper)work
completed over the past 5 years. The actual construction period
for phase 1 was 3.5 years and phase 2 is expected to take 2.5
years. In the time it took to debate, design and build 1 line
in Nottingham our twin city of Karlsruhre built 18, 50% of which
are solar powered by using photo-voltaics on municipal buildings.
There is a market for renewable energy which
cannot be met by supply. The reason is probably to do with a virtual
stop on wind-farm developments due to NIMBY pressure. At Eakring
near Nottingham a wind farm was proposed and the locals mounted
a massive campaign against it. The project was eventually dropped
because "it may interfere with aircraft radar". Perhaps
we should have put that the other way around.
I would just like to add that the proposed Nottingham
tram extensions have been the subject of three public consultation
exercises in as many years, and none were strictly required under
the T&WA 1992.This session of Parliament may see some reforms
to speed up planning for major infrastructure—energy, transport.
Kate Barker and Ron Eddington want an Independent Planning Commission,
though urban tram schemes won't be big enough.
Small CHP power plants would be a way forward.
What possible chance though in the current NIMBY climate?
— the potential for "smart metering";
Response: No comment.
— awareness of climate change and availability
of information about the role of the individual in tackling the
problem.
Response: local councillor (chair of planning
committee) wishes to install a wind turbine. Planning considerations
have held this up for the past 2 years. What chance does mean
the rest of us have?
2. What are the barriers to uptake of climate
change mitigation strategies at the level of the individual, and
how can they be overcome? Are current incentives such as the energy
efficiency commitment or graduated vehicle excise duty sufficiently
strong to affect behaviour?
Response: No Comment.
3. How can Government and other agencies—at
national, regional and local levels—encourage the uptake
of domestic emission reduction measures? What is the role of community
projects in schools and other public institutions?
Response: Community projects for schools to
reduce the individual school run, more use of green school buses.
4. What is the role of NGOs in delivering
the "citizen's agenda" on climate change?
Response: Very effective locally if direct funding
was available.
5. Are Domestic Tradable Quotas (also known
as personal carbon allowances) a viable option? What other economic
and other incentives for behavioural change might also be considered?
Response: Encourage microgeneration with household
subsides for solar panels etc., and a fair market rate for surplus
electricity without an enormous bureaucracy.
6. To what extent is "green taxation"
an effective driver of behavioural change?
Response: If handled correctly and evenly a
very effective means, but has many dragons lurking if Government
gets it wrong.
Light Rail UK
December 2006
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