Transportation
The transport sector is the second largest greenhouse polluter in Australia. It releases over 80 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution into our atmosphere each year.
It's important that we make sure people have reliable ways of getting around - such as public transport, cycling and walking. This will not only strengthen our communities, but also reduce car use and help our environment.
We need a mandatory standard
A compulsory vehicle fuel efficiency standard could deliver the most significant reduction greenhouse emissions in transport. Fuel efficiency is one of the more painless and obvious ways to reduce our greenhouse emissions. Despite this, Australia still isn't making these easy savings.
Within the OECD - Japan, the USA and European Union all have mandatory standards for vehicle fuel efficiency. China joins these nations with its own strong fuel consumption regulations. To date Australia has relied on voluntary agreements with the car industry - agreements which were not met in 1983, 1987 and 2000, and are likely to fail again in 2010.
We're lagging behind and we need to catch up with the best in the world. It's clear that voluntary standards do not work and by 2010 cars sold in China are likely to be around 17 percent more efficient than those in Australia.
Mandatory standards a simple, effective and relatively pain free way of reducing our greenhouse pollution.And they come with many benefits. They will help working families cope with higher petrol prices, reduce our dependence on oil, and ensure we remain competitive in the international market. In addition the technologies are well established, continually improving and available today.
We believe the Australian government should ntroduce a mandatory vehicle fuel efficiency standard of at least 5L per 100km, for all cars sold in Australia by 2015.
Get involved in our Smart Transport campaign
Learn more about the dangers of peak oil
more resources
Victorian Transport Plan, Victorian Government. Pass the mustard
