Private cars

Lack of progress?

Lack of progress in cutting Co2 emissions is possibly due to that fact we'll spend what seems like a lifetime stuck in congestion, which causes excessive emissions. Of course in places such as London where public transport, walking or cycling is seemingly stress free, the rest of us outside of congested city areas still favour the convenience of our vehicles for a short journey or a longer one that could otherwise be shared with another person on a similar route.
Lets face it- the thought of standing waiting for a bus, cycling or walking in the rain doesn't appeal to most, unless you're and 'outdoorsy' sort of person (or you don't drive, which still doesn't mean its appealing).

Another possible reason for lack of progress is that families are likely to now need more than one car for their household because both parents may work as the cost of living has risen.

However, although there has been little progress in the reduction of emissions, people are much more aware of the impacts these emissions empose on peoples health and the environment.
People are now looking in to new ways of reducing emissions such as; better public transport- Sheffield tram system for example has been improved dramatically in the past two years, car sharing is now being publicised more frequently than before and 'cycle or walk to work' days are now planned every year.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7363353.stm
Walk to work day in 2008 was 24th April, and aimed to reduce congestion, noise and encourage commuters to find alternative ways of getting to work.

'Private cars' indicator a good choice?

This indicator can provide a good insight to the increasing number of vehicles on Britains roads causing congestion and then inturn vast amounts of emissions.
However, we already know there is an increasing number of cars per household and this is likely to increase more.
What may be an option to consider monitoring is the type of private cars owned by households and their individual Co2 emissions. With global warming as a constant news report, car owners are forced to think about buying environmentaly friendly vehicles if they still insist on using their more convenient form of transport.

In an overview it must be argued that private vehicles as an idividual indicator is not accurate and that there should be other sub-indicators within this topic.