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Next PageThis programme aims to reduce transport fuel consumption, thereby reducing CO2 production which is a direct consequence of travel. Domestic transport accounts for 42% of consumer energy use (186 PJ), and light vehicles (car and vans) contribute 23% of total consumer energy use, thereby creating 26% of the CO2 produced in the transport sector. The estimated amount of CO2 produced by domestic transport is 14.7 Mt per year.
Experiences overseas indicate that the public will undermine the initial or intended effect of mechanisms designed to alter travel behaviour by being adaptive to technological change, regulatory initiatives and economic deterrents. This experience is further complicated in New Zealand because we have a unique market for used vehicles from Japan, a culture of expectations for travel, a well developed infrastructure and sector interests that would be differentially affected by interventions to reduce fuel consumption. There can be no simple application of overseas research to a New Zealand context. New science is needed in the form of measures of understanding of, and concern for, fuel efficiency, identification of opportunities to reduce transport capacity, and an understanding of the decision-making determining New Zealanders’ travel demands. This new science must facilitate regulatory interventions and mitigate the risks of unintended or inequitable social impacts. The key is to understand what parameters define New Zealanders’ travel demands. Understanding the behavioural component to domestic travel is recognised as a key feature for research by MFE, EECA, and MOT.