Sundays could soon be car free as new recommendations aimed at limiting the UK’s reliance on Russian oil while the invasion of Ukraine continues are being considered.
The suggestions put forward include: cutting the motorway speed limit to 64mph, asking people to work from home for three days a week and banning cars on Sundays. The measures, if put in place worldwide, outlined by the International Energy Agency (IEA), could cut global oil demand by 2.7million barrels per day within four months, reports the Mirror.
The advice comes at a time the Chancellor’s Spring Statement is due, in which fuel duty – a tax paid on petrol and diesel prices – could be cut by 5p-a-litre, reducing it from 57.95p to 52.95p paid on every litre. Fuel prices have continued to rise across the country despite wholesale prices falling for more than 10 days, experts said.
The IEA said its proposals are ‘practical actions’ that could significantly reduce oil demand and soaring prices that motorists are currently facing across Europe.
The scale of the daily reduction on oil use would be the equivalent of not having to fuel all the cars currently used in China – the introduction of car-free Sundays in major cities alone would cut oil demand by up to 380,000 barrels per day.
IEA’s proposed 10-point plan to combat rising oil prices:
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Reduce speed limits on highways by at least 10 km/h (6mph)
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Work from home up to three days a week where possible
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Car-free Sundaysin cities
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Make use of public transport cheaper and incentivise micromobility, walking and cycling
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Alternate private car access to roads in large cities
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Increase car sharing and adopt practices to reduce fuel use
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Promote efficient driving for freight trucks and delivery of goods
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Using high-speed and night trains instead of planes where possible
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Avoid business air travel where alternative options exist
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Reinforce the adoption of electric and more efficient vehicles