To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport with reference to the guidance issued in July 2009 to local transport authorities on the production of local transport plans, by what percentage or other amount local transport authorities are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a result of their local transport plans; and what proportion of those reductions is expected to be attributable to (a) policies implemented under local transport plans and (b) other factors. (296417)

The performance of local authorities on transport, including CO₂ emissions, is managed through the National Indicator Set and through Local Area Agreements. Of 152 local authorities, 102 have already selected National Indicator 186—measuring the per capita reduction in CO₂ emissions—as a priority in their Local Area Agreement, demonstrating their commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Recent local transport plan guidance recognises that local authorities are particularly important partners in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with our climate change goal for transport. The Government have a policy of devolving responsibility to local transport authorities so they can make the right choices for their local areas. It would therefore not be appropriate for Government to specify the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reductions expected from each authority.