THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLICY MEASURES TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN ROAD TRANSPORT

Statistics are presented for achievable fuel consumption by new vehicles and for actual consumption by vehicle fleets around the world between 1973 and 1988. A discrepancy is seen between the fuel efficiencies available and those which occur. The impact of improvements in fuel efficiency is also seen to vary between years and between countries. Factors which have contributed to these patterns are examined including size of vehicle fleet, distances travelled, price rises, trends in car size and trends in engine power. The effect of taxes, prices and regulations on fuel efficiency is considered. The possibility of future fuel efficiency improvements being brought about by policy measures is explored. A need to encourage an interest in fuel economy amongst car buyers as well as producers is identified. For the covering abstract see IRRD 864909.