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24 Apr 2008 : Column WA322

Transport: Car Usage

Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will introduce robust advertising and publicity programmes by central, regional and local government to persuade motorists to reduce their car usage. [HL2960]

Lord Bassam of Brighton: The Department for Transport (DfT) is pursuing a range of policies, which includes the Smarter Choices programme of work—which, among other activities, promotes travel planning to encourage more sustainable travel choices—by both individuals and organisations—such as use of public transport, walking and cycling as alternatives to single occupancy car use.

In addition, the department launched a major advertising campaign under the Act on CO2 brand last year. This campaign is being jointly developed with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and DfT is responsible for encouraging motorists to adopt smarter driving techniques and to take environmental considerations into account when buying new cars. These strands of the campaign have an annual budget of approximately £5 million.

The department also provides funding for the Energy Saving Trust (EST) to give advice to businesses on “greening” their transport fleet through green fleet reviews and telephone consultancy advice. The EST advice centres also provide energy efficiency advice to consumers on their transport choices. The EST manages its own advertising and publicity activities in agreement with the DfT.

Transport: Heavy Goods Vehicles

Lord Bradshaw asked Her Majesty's Government:

With regard to “on the spot” penalties for drivers of lorries registered outside the United Kingdom, what levels of penalty will be available for (a) serious breaches of the drivers hours regulations; (b) overloading; and (c) defective mechanical condition. [HL3063]

Lord Bassam of Brighton: There will be a further consultation on these details later this year, including on the financial penalty and deposit levels.

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