Payload has 'little effect' on CO2 emissions
"On our test we found that a fully-loaded van weighs 50% more than the same van unladen," said John Norris, project manager at AEA, the environmental consultancy which conducted the research. "However, CO2 emissions only went up by approximately 7.8% on the combined cycle." The study found that when a van is travelling on the motorway, aerodynamics has more of an impact than any other factor. Travelling at 70mph, a medium-sized van punches a large hole in the air in comparison to a smaller van, and is likely to increase CO2 output by around 40%. Analysts believe the report could be used by the government to develop a taxation system that penalises large vans, but that this could lead to operators overloading smaller vehicles. The Freight Transport Association has published a best practice guide for transport managers on the safe securing of loads and equipment in vans – including practical advice and clarification of compliance standards to help them improve their drivers' safety.
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Many van drivers believe that the amount of weight a van is carrying will dramatically effect its CO2 emissions. But a new report, commissioned by the Department for Transport, has concluded that it does in fact have surprisingly little impact.
