A Comparative Assessment of the Light Goods Vehicle Fleet and the Scope to Reduce its CO2 Emissions in the UK and France

Light goods vehicles (vans) are an important and growing part of road traffic in the UK and France, especially in urban areas. Given the continued growth in van traffic it seems timely to consider the reasons for this growth and the scope for carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions. By comparing growth patterns and CO2 reduction opportunities in two countries it is possible to identify some of the most important directions for policy. In each country analysis is presented of the van fleet, its annual average distance travelled, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.