Written question asked by Lord Wills (Labour) on Friday, 20 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 January 2006. It was answered by Karen Buck (Labour) on Monday, 30 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Green Travel Plans

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what national target he has set for the number of (a) employers and (b) public sector employers implementing the Green Travel Plans by 2009.

Answer: We have put in place a requirement in the planning system that significant new developments, both for the public and private sectors, should have a staff travel plan. However, the implementation of travel plans by employers for existing sites is voluntary. We have not therefore set a national target for their introduction. Instead, we promote the business case and other benefits of travel plans through our publications, conferences and other events.Under the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate, Government Departments were mandated to implement sustainable travel targets to reduce CO2 emissions through a range of measures. These included reducing both road transport vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by at least 10 per cent. and single occupancy car commuting to the workplace by 5 per cent. by 2006, against a baseline year of 2002–03. The Framework is currently being reviewed in order to deliver a step change in the way the Government manages its land and buildings sustainably.

Secondary information