It's important that the needs of the disabled are included in low-carbon transport policy and planning, Debbie Hopkins writes.
When we talk about a ''sustainable'' transport system, it often includes a reduction in car-based travel.
This involves designing a transport system that does not require car-based travel (but may include it!), and which facilitates active (e.g. walking and cycling) and public (e.g. bus and train) transport modes.
A reduced dependence on the private car to achieve transport needs has a range of benefits:
• Increased physical activity levels
• Financial savings (due to fluctuating fuel prices and other associated costs)
• Decreased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere
By reducing the carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere, we can reduce localised air pollution (and associated health issues), and global climate change.
A transport system that does not require private car transport is also proposed to address social exclusion for those unable to drive a vehicle, usually identified as the young, the old and people with disabilities.
However, car-based transport is of critical importance for some people with disabilities.
Research conducted by Dr Esther Woodbury at the University of Otago has shown that ''cars play a vital role in improving social participation and inclusion for people with mobility impairments''.
In many cases, the car can be ''life changing'', providing access to social events and employment that would otherwise be either very difficult, or impossible.
Thus while ''independence'' is frequently cited as the main motivation for driving by people without disabilities, the term can have quite a different, and more powerful meaning for people with disabilities for whom the use of active and public modes may not be possible.
For people dependent on their vehicles (and who might otherwise be house-bound), a low-carbon transition may not mean modal choice.
Therefore, low-carbon vehicles (e.g. electric or hybrid vehicles) will be central to reducing the environmental impacts of car-based travel.
Dr Woodbury's research found some (limited) interest in reducing the carbon and energy intensity of transport modes.
However, the relatively higher purchase price of electric and hybrid vehicles can be a major barrier.
And while the lower running costs of electric vehicles are advantageous, financial support available for purchasing and modifying vehicles for people with mobility impairments will not cover the higher up-front costs.
As the cost of electric and hybrid vehicles decreases, we may see a greater uptake.
Government support could include prioritisation of these vehicles in purchase agreements and financial support for people with disabilities.
This is particularly important as it may be the only option for reducing transport-related emissions for people who are truly car-dependent.
It is therefore important that the voices of people with impairments are incorporated into low-carbon transport policy and planning, and that low-carbon mobility options are made available to all, so that a low-carbon transport system really does provide access for all.
• Debbie Hopkins is a research fellow at the University of Otago Centre for Sustainability. Each week in this column, one of a panel of writers addresses issues of sustainability.
