AN innovative study will be used to forecast future transport carbon emissions in the East of England, and recommend realistic targets and affordable solutions to help sustainable economic growth in the region. The East of England Development Agency (EEDA

AN innovative study will be used to forecast future transport carbon emissions in the East of England, and recommend realistic targets and affordable solutions to help sustainable economic growth in the region.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has commissioned transport consultant Atkins and the University of Aberdeen to work out how the region's transport system, including roads, railways, aviation and shipping, will contribute to future carbon emissions. It will set out options for reducing carbon emissions from transport.

Andy Summers, senior transport project manager at EEDA, explained: "EEDA is undertaking this innovative piece of work to identify how we can make transport carbon reductions that support sustainable economic growth and help businesses in the East of England.

"As a region we have committed to reduce overall carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2031, compared to 1990 levels. The East of England Transport Carbon Study (TraCS) will for the first time recommend potential emissions targets for the transport system in the East of England. Importantly it will quantify the economic impacts of implementing a low-carbon transport policy. "

The results, when published in early autumn, will be used to help regional partners such as local authorities, the Highways Agency, transport operators and businesses manage the environmental and economic impacts of the ambitious growth planned.

Mr Summers added: "Transport carbon emissions in the East of England are not falling at the levels required to contribute meaningfully to regional, national and international carbon reduction aspirations. In fact they continue to grow year on year.

"The study will be a key part of the implementation of the regional economic strategy for the benefit of all those who live, work and invest in the region."

Atkins project director Andy Southern added: "The East of England has ambitious targets for 500,000 new dwellings and 450,000 new jobs across a 20-year period. We shall consider the impacts of this on the transport system and how transport investment can maximise the sustainability of this growth.

"As part of the project, Atkins will consider the carbon emissions from all transport modes, and apply the government's methodology on wider economic benefits to measure impacts on business productivity and gross-value added growth.