Submission to the
Productivity Commission
Inquiry into the Economic and Environmental Potential offered by Energy Efficiency
'More efficient energy use means a more resilient economy and a better environment'
Public Transport Users Association
November 2004
Contents
Introduction 4
Transport a priority 4
Why are vehicle emissions and energy consumption growing? 5
1. Vehicle weight, engine power and use of air conditioning 5
2. Growth in vehicle kilometres travelled per capita 6
Making the shift – cars to walking, cycling and public transport 7
Do current policies reflect what's needed? 9
Economic Benefits from reduced car dependence 11
Greater energy security and improved trade balance 11
Transport affordability, accessibility and equity 13
The relationship between roads and economic growth 16
“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” (Mitchell 1970) 17
A broader concept of capital 18
Better health outcomes 18
Other barriers to increased transport efficiency 21
Tax treatment 21
Transport funding arrangements 23
Conclusion 24
Recommendations 26
References 28
Illnesses associated with car dependency 37
© Public Transport Users Association 2004
Permission is granted to reproduce portions of this document on a non-commercial basis subject to proper acknowledgement.
The PTUA acknowledges the contributions of Cameron Tampion, Peter Parker, Cathy McNaughton (Environment Victoria), David Wake (Conservation Council of WA), Anna Morton and Tony Morton in the production of this submission.
Overall production was coordinated by Cameron Tampion.
