Vision for cutting London transport emissions by 60% unveiled by Halcrow/ Uni of Oxford

Achieving sharp reductions in London's transport emissions – 60% by 2025, 80% by 2050 – is possible, but would require a comprehensive, multi-strand policy approach, concludes a major study led by Halcrow and the University of Oxford.

Using a bespoke, city-based transport emission simulation model, the study demonstrates the impact of various potential policy decisions.

Commenting on the study, Halcrow project manager and research fellow at Oxford's transport studies unit, Dr Robin Hickman said: “the findings from this study demonstrate how effective packaging of a wide range of interventions – including promoting low emission vehicles, investment in public transport, walking and cycling, behavioural change measures, promoting ecological driving and slower speeds and freight planing – can help London move towards a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025 and onto even deeper cuts beyond”.

An executive summary, simulation model and background report outlining the findings of the 'visioning and backcasting for transport in London' (Vibat) study have now been published.

The Vibat London study was funded by the University of London's UrbanBuzz programme, a knowledge-transfer scheme aimed at developing “genuinely sustainable forms of development and community in London and the wider Southeast region”. UrbanBuzz is chaired by Halcrow's group technology director, Professor Tim Broyd.

• Halcrow news release
• Vibat UK site