Government consults on road user charging scheme for HGVs

The government is consulting on a road user charging scheme for HGVs but the measure is not designed to be green. It is also trialling longer articulated lorries

Commission sets out options to reduce shipping emissions

The EU is consulting on plans to reduce international shipping emissions amid global inaction on the issue

Electric aircraft taxi technology tested

New system designs could save fuel, reduce noise and carbon emissions and improve local air quality.

Thames airport consultation

The government is planning to consult on a proposed major new airport in the Thames estuary

Plug-in car grant extended to vans

New electric vans can now qualify for a government subsidy, while the existing grant scheme for electric cars has been secured until 2015. Meanwhile, BIS has launched a project to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology

London tightens vehicle pollution controls

Vans and large diesel vehicles are now covered by the largest low-emission zone in the world

Aquifer diverts high-speed rail line

The planned route for the proposed high-speed railway has been amended to reduce environmental damage. The government claims this will reduce the cost

European court rules aviation EU ETS is legal

The inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme is legal, the Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled

Car industry body makes case for 'intelligent mobility'

A report by the Automotive Council argues ‘intelligent mobility’ can help tackle congestion, reduce emissions and spend public money more effectively

Leeds Bradford airport fined for water offences

Five breaches of the Water Resources Act have cost an airport operator more than £50,000

Carmakers zoom past European carbon targets

Most EU vehicle carbon performance goals will be met well ahead of schedule, calling into question the industry’s campaign against curbs

MPs say draft NPPF needs serious revision

The government’s controversial draft National Planning Policy Framework has been strongly criticised by another select committee.

Comment: Seeing off the behemoths

Not one, but two, gargantuan transport projects lurched forward in January. These may address issues of UK competitiveness and capacity constraint, but does human progress, prosperity and happiness demand that everyone travels ever faster and further?

Aquifer diverts high-speed rail

The proposed HS2 rail link route has been changed to reduce environmental damage. The changes have also lowered the expected costs.

Trouble ahead for aviation carbon trading

A ruling by Europe’s highest court declaring the EU ETS legal has failed to placate international opposition

Quick links to key documents and reports

• 1 February 2012

  Transport Scotland consultation: Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 Scottish Ferry Services Draft Plan for Consultation Strategic Environmental Assessment

• 1 February 2012

  London Assembly Environment Committee report: Charging ahead? An overview of progress in implementing the mayor's electric vehicle delivery plan

• 1 February 2012

  European Commission amending regulation on emissions from heavy duty vehicles

• 27 January 2012

  DfT report on public attitudes to climate change and the impact of transport in 2011