Title: Issues in evaluating the long-term global impacts of transport policy

Authors: John Dodgson

Addresses: Department of Economics and Accounting, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK (present address: National Economic Research Associates, London W1N 9AF, UK)

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of issues involved in evaluating the long-term impacts of transport policy. It considers the effects of global warming, and the costs and benefits of action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The overall case for such action rests on the choice of discount rate. The paper considers the relative effectiveness of taxes and regulations in controlling emissions from the transport sector, and contrasts direct action on road traffic with indirect action via policies to increase travel on public transport. After a brief mention of the issue of biodiversity, the paper concludes with some reflections on the political acceptability of different policies.

Keywords: biodiversity; global warming; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; regulations; taxes; transport policy; vehicle emissions; environmental pollution; environmental impact; road traffic; public transport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.1997.028306

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 1997 Vol.7 No.3, pp.293 - 304

Published online: 16 Sep 2009 *

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