Article by Jackie Fristacky
As more people turn to driving post COVID, peak transport advocacy group, Transport for Everyone (T4e) is asking that the Victorian Government better educate Melbournians on the adverse impacts of driving fuel-based vehicles on city emissions, especially for short trips.
T4e highlights the New Zealand Energy & Conservation Authority (EECA) finding released last Friday, that 3 out of 5 people did not know that reducing the use of petrol and diesel cars is one of the most effective means of reducing emissions and climate change. This is despite reducing fuel usage from driving being nearly 4 times more effective in reducing emissions than recycling from the waste stream. Thus the EECA is urging Kiwis to swap the car especially for short trips. See: https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/124586956/kiwis-urged-to-swap-the-car-for-a-cycle-walk-or-scoot-on-short-trips
T4e urges Melburnians to similarly think about their contribution to city emissions and poorer air quality through short trips and consider simple alternatives. The organisation’s President, Jackie Fristacky joins the EECA in emphasising that “It is short car trips of 1-2 kms that produce the highest emissions compared to longer trips, because cold engines use more fuel and multiple short trips bring more toxic emissions.”
“With over 20% of car trips being under 2kms, 10% under 1 km, and 50% under 5 kms, these trips can readily be converted to walking or cycling, with huge multiple benefits in reducing emissions, congestion, travel cost burdens on households and improving health,” said President Fristacky.
Data from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has shown that while emissions from energy sources have fallen, emissions from transport were 33% higher in 2018-19 than in 2001-2002. Further, our National Transport Commission has identified that passenger cars in Australia produce 41% more emissions per km than in Europe and 16% more than in the US.
T4e has written to the Minister for Roads and Public Transport seeking that the Government combat rising emissions from transport by budget allocations in the May 2021 budget to upscale investment in walking, cycling, and electric vehicle recharging, vastly improving bus frequency and connectivity, and urging Victorians to use alternatives to driving, especially for short trips.
For more information, contact Cr Jackie Fristacky AM, President, Transport for Everyone (T4e) on Mobile 0412 597 794 or transport4everyone1@gmail.com