Figure 11: Growth patterns for cities around the world Source: Newman et al. (1997)
Dulal (2009) note that the main regulatory measures used to reduce environmental externalities in transport are those that relate to (1) fuel economy; (2) vehicle emission levels; (3) fuel quality; (4) vehicle inspection regimes and (5) measures to discourage vehicle use or encourage high occupancy of vehicles. At present, many countries, and especially developing countries, lack comprehensive policies to regulate these five main areas. Practical applications of these regulatory measures are provided in the table below.
Regulation must be considered in conjunction with economic measures to ensure economic efficiency and avoid government failure. Regulation must also be feasible to enforce. Often a well-intended scheme results in unforeseen consequences. For example, in Jakarta, a policy to mandate vehicle occupancy of three persons in one vehicle in the city centre has resulted in illegal “jockeys” receiving money from drivers to ride in their cars to help evade penalty fees.
Information instruments Information instruments may induce further changes in behaviour through raising awareness of alternative modes or methods of travel. Public-awareness campaigns, mobility management, labelling of new cars, and driver education are representative examples.
By monitoring, accounting for and communicating the real financial, environmental and social implications
of motorised transport, users may actively choose mobility patterns more in line with the Avoid, Shift and Improve approach. It is important to communicate the benefits of green transport in ways that directly relate to people’s lives, such as improved health,32
less
financial expenditure, and reduced commuting time and stress.
Driver education and training can focus on “eco- driving” techniques, which can typically save between 5 and 10 per cent of fuel (ecodrive.org 2010). Highlighting the reductions in fuel costs through eco- driving is likely to appeal particularly to operators of commercial vehicles.
5.2 Setting the right financial conditions and economic incentives
In order for investments in green transport to reach their full potential, a set of changes must be made to the current financing framework, coupled with the creation of market conditions that permit green transport to be economically feasible. These issues as well as the relationship of green transport with global trade will also be discussed below.
32. The World Health Organization has developed a methodology on evaluating the costs and benefits of human-powered mobility: Methodological guidance on the economic appraisal of health effects related to walking and cycling. Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/__ data/assets/pdf_file/0007/87478/E90944sum.pdf.