Quality of Life Issues

A number of studies have been commissioned to improve the positive effects of the LTP on the environment.

Appraisal of Renewable Energy Options

Tackling climate change is not just about reducing CO2 emissions from transport. It is also about investigating alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy.

The Merseyside LTP partnership is aiming to have 10 per cent of the LTP project energy requirements supplied by renewable energy sources.

The study looked at the ways in which this target can be reached.

Feasibility of Carbon Offset Schemes

Another way to lower climate change emissions as a result of the LTP is to look at developing a carbon offset scheme to make the Merseyside LTP a low carbon programme. This study has looked at the feasibility of a number of schemes.

Air Quality Modelling and Monitoring Study

Now air pollution data is gathered by each authority with equipment that is near the end of its design life. New equipment and maintenance will be costly. This study looked at the possibility of a Merseyside wide monitoring network that could offer a more strategic area wide approach.

Low Emission Zones

Air pollution caused by transport can be minimised by creating low emission zones, LEZ, where only vehicles that comply with emissions standards can enter. Liverpool City Council is considering making the city centre an LEZ

Creating a LEZ can have a knock on effect on neighbouring areas though and this study looked at the effects of making Liverpool city centre an LEZ and how it would affect those neighbouring areas.

Noise Mitigation Tool

The LTP affects traffic flows, speeds, and the amount of traffic generated noise through transport schemes, highway maintenance, the creation of new public transport infrastructure, and by promoting sustainable transport.

The Merseyside LTP partners are committed to improving quality of life and would consider introducing measures to reduce noise. This study development an assessment tool to consider which measure to use in different situations.