Signs of the times 2

intriguing story in today's Guardian about how transport organisations are ordering their drivers to drive more slowly (= sensibly, economically) to conserve fuel and thus save money in response to the high price of oil.  London buses are also carrying Mayoral ads telling drivers to change gears at lower revs to save fuel and money.  The most interesting statement though was from the airlines who said that notwithstanding the slower flying (2% slower on Easyjet), there would be no discernible difference for passengers. 

It will be fascinating to see if this finally causes a reverse in the upward march of transport emissions -- particularly if cuts are significant -- to show what can be done without biofuels and attendant environmental and food price consequences; without taking the politically risky route of appearing to be anti-driver and anti-flyer; without challenging the overmighty car industry to raise its standards  and without any major investment in new technology or infrastructure. It just requires people not to check out their brain when they get behind the wheel and to think about what they are doing - which seems harder than it looks.  Last time I drove any distance (OK ten miles) my sedate 55 consigned me to very slow as people put their foot on the accelerator and burned down the A 27.  Mind you that was five weeks ago so all could have changed now as people and companies realise that rising prices do not need to translate into the same rise in bills.

So have we finally reached a transport catalyst?

For some maybe - but not for everyone. Interestingly two airlines were reported as rejecting these moves and said instead that they would simply be opting to charge their passengers more as they continue to pump out the carbon.  Well done BA and Ryanair.