A disaggregate analysis of ‘excess’ car travel and its role in decarbonisation

This paper measures ‘excess’ car travel for its role in decarbonisation. On average, each English adult travels around 5,680 miles a year and emits 1,006 kg of CO2. However, the top 5% users 4.8 times emit 5.7 national average. Four binary logistic regression analyses were used to model probability that people with specified characteristics belong mileage emitter groups. Results indicated gender, employment socio-economic status, household income (higher quintiles), company availability, residential location local population density highly significant correlates this mileage. Multiple ownership, business by car, multiple international flight frequencies ownership larger diesel cars positively associated excess emissions. A rationing scheme targeting 20% can cut emissions substantially (by 26%) compared (top 5%) only.