What does the Institution think?
The Institution is well placed to comment on the full gamut of transport activity across road, rail and air. Here are some of the transport-related questions that often get asked of us, and a short summary of our response.
1. How can we end our dependence on oil for transport? By developing alternative sustainable fuels and energy sources.
2. What is the IMechE's view on congestion charging, road pricing and other "green" taxes? We support any measures that will to help reduce emissions and consider that a substantial portion of green tax revenue should be directed to support research into long term sustainable solutions for future energy.
3. What is IMechE view on speed limiters and limits? Traffic management is just one tool in the drive to both relieve congestion and reduce emissions. We would support the introduction of speed limiters and speed limits provided this is done in conjunction with the auto manufacturers in a timescale that would allow them to design in alternative optimum efficient running speeds.
4. What is the IMechE view on low carbon road vehicle technologies? We support any technological development that will help reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.
5. Should we penalise "Gas Guzzlers"? Those who use high emission vehicles for social or domestic reasons should expect to have to either pay accordingly or be prepared to offset their carbon footprint in some way. If taxing is the medium then revenue should be used for the research and development of greener alternatives.
6. What is the future of air travel? We see a continuing need for air travel in the future and this will be dictated by business and social needs.
7. What is the future for rail travel? We believe that rail will remain a major form of transport for passengers and freight in the foreseeable future.
8. What is the future of urban transport systems? Urban transport systems are generally less attractive in business terms to the privatised sector but as important business and social enablers they should be favourably considered in any overall Government transport strategy
9. Do we have a well run integrated transport system in the UK? No. While there are some good examples of integration the systems are generally not well integrated and there is fierce competition for business
10. Should the UK be building more roads, runways and railways? This should all be part of a central integrated Government transport strategy that considers future business and social needs against environmental penalties whilst encouraging research and innovation to make the choices easier.
11. Are aeroplanes environmentally unfriendly? None of the current modes of transport are environmentally friendly, but some are better than others. Aircraft cause 3% of the total carbon emissions by transport.
12. Can we make planes more environmentally friendly? Yes. Much is already being done in the design and development of aircraft and engines as well as research into alternative fuels. Research is costly and lengthy however, and safety remains the key driver.
13. How can we get more people on the rail system? Capacity using the existing network can be improved and much is already being done by improving signalling and rolling stock, however, what is needed in the long term is more track.
14. Is there any more capacity in the rail network? More capacity is being made available through technological advances but you can only go so far before radical change is needed. More track seems to be the preferred long term solution.
15. Can London's transport infrastructure cope with the Olympics at this stage? Not at the moment but most improvement projects are now underway, and the contract for the DLR extension to Stratford International has been awarded. It is disappointing that Crossrail will not be available in time.
16. Is the UK automotive industry dead? Can we compete? Some of the most sophisticated cars in the world are designed and built in the UK and that is a strength that is recognised by foreign companies and investors. We can and are competing very favourably.
17. Should we now focus on aero/auto design and give up on engineering? No. Vehicle and aircraft design is important but it is just one part of the complicated environmental solution jig-saw. Engineering has and will continue to play a crucial role in commercialising and bringing the results of innovative design to the market to maximise environmental gain.
18. If the government did one thing to help congestion, it would be? Set a long term strategy that will provide an integrated and balanced transport system for the future with the least damaging environmental effect.
19. If the government did one thing to help rail industry it would be? We would like to see bold action by government to provide legislation that allows the building of more track or overhead rail.
20. Motorsport encourages the development of vehicles that produce more CO2 so why does the Institution support Formula Student? There is a shortage of engineers who are vital to the UK economy, we need them to help find the long term solutions to combat global warming. We support any initiative that fosters the interest of young people in engineering, such as FS. FS teams can already use more eco-friendly fuel and plans are in hand to encourage energy saving designs.
21. Does IMechE support the introduction of more taxes on air travel? Taxing transport should encourage the reduction of emissions and we would support this provided it is applied across all sectors of transport and that it is proportionate to the overall environmental impact.