Proposed 60 mph speed limit, Will it REALLY cut pollution? Options

[Andy Capp]

I understand that hydrogen is manufactured by burning fossil fuel, so it also isn't a clean as might be considered.

[motormad]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_production

[Andy Capp]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_production

Ah, so its a link war you want, is it!

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environme...ogen-energy.htm
http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/05/fuel-c...ergy-pros-cons/
http://www.livescience.com/5222-energy-deb...n-vehicles.html
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2011/05...fuels/index.htm

[On the edge]

I understand that hydrogen is manufactured by burning fossil fuel, so it also isn't a clean as might be considered.

There was an idea floating around at the end if the 70s, when we thought we were running out of oil. That was to build masses of nuclear power station; which can't easily be turned down or off. During the day they would generate a big demand and at night keep going at the same rate and the massive amount of 'spare' electricity would be used to make hydrogen. Hydrogen would then become the prime mover transport fuel. At the time that scared the proverbial out of politicians; lots more nuclear AND hydrogen. Depending on your viewpoint, nuclear might not be as sustainable as it seems either.

[Biker1]

Big, big farts!

The SERIOUS point I was trying to make is that 60mph speed limits, running on electricity, hydrogen etc. is a futile gesture in the big shape of things. Cars & small vans make up a minority part of carbon emission / pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
A 60mph speed limit, buying a Prius, or running your car on hydrogen will not much change the total emissions and their effects.

[Exhausted]

I understand that hydrogen is manufactured by burning fossil fuel, so it also isn't a clean as might be considered.

At the moment, that is so but this could be reversed in a few years time if the research with enzymes works out. The great advantage of burning hydrogen in an internal combustion engine is that the product is water which means no need for catalytic convertors and the associated environmental manufacturing costs. Smelly diesels and petrol engines would become a thing of the past and it well may be the fuel of the future.
I think there may be some entrenched views within the motoring world which will need to be overcome. The main one is the need to change the design of the vehicle. I suspect the future cars will be printed and become disposable after a set period. CNC printers are already getting close to that concept.

[Andy Capp]

The SERIOUS point I was trying to make is that 60mph speed limits, running on electricity, hydrogen etc. is a futile gesture in the big shape of things. Cars & small vans make up a minority part of carbon emission / pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
A 60mph speed limit, buying a Prius, or running your car on hydrogen will not much change the total emissions and their effects.

I think the idea is for a ripple effect and to encourage public debate. Even the USA and China are becoming more concerned about emissions. This issue will run for generations, but that isn't a reason not to start somewhere.

[Simon Kirby]

The SERIOUS point I was trying to make is that 60mph speed limits, running on electricity, hydrogen etc. is a futile gesture in the big shape of things. Cars & small vans make up a minority part of carbon emission / pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.
A 60mph speed limit, buying a Prius, or running your car on hydrogen will not much change the total emissions and their effects.

As I understand it, the proposal was to reduce NO₂ which is a respiratory irritant, and that apparently comes mainly from cars. Diesels specifically. It's not about greenhouse gasses.

[Simon Kirby]

I think the idea is for a ripple effect and to encourage public debate. Even the USA and China are becoming more concerned about emissions. This issue will run for generations, but that isn't a reason not to start somewhere.

I was hearing on the radio just this week that smog is a huge issue in Asia, enormously more so than here (nowadays anyroad).

[Biker1]

This issue will run for generations, but that isn't a reason not to start somewhere.

Totally agree, but it has to be in an area where it will have some effect.
Perhaps by NOT building a new runway at Heathrow and actually REDUCING air travel and the need for it?
Reducing the speed limit to 60mph on a short stretch of the motorway is just playing lip service and will have ZERO effect.

[Exhausted]

Totally agree, but it has to be in an area where it will have some effect.
Perhaps by NOT building a new runway at Heathrow and actually REDUCING air travel and the need for it?
Reducing the speed limit to 60mph on a short stretch of the motorway is just playing lip service and will have ZERO effect.

Like all government contentious announcements, there will be something that will emerge that they want to happen which will be less painful than the original and we will all go Phew, thank heavens they didn't do what they said they were going to do. I think it might termed be a red herring.

What do they really want. I have no idea but it will probably be that we have to polish our cars weekly so that the air resistance is reduced.

[motormad]

Ah, so its a link war you want, is it!

http://science.howstuffworks.com/environme...ogen-energy.htm
http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/05/fuel-c...ergy-pros-cons/
http://www.livescience.com/5222-energy-deb...n-vehicles.html
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2011/05...fuels/index.htm

Hah, you win

[Andy Capp]

Totally agree, but it has to be in an area where it will have some effect.
Perhaps by NOT building a new runway at Heathrow and actually REDUCING air travel and the need for it?
Reducing the speed limit to 60mph on a short stretch of the motorway is just playing lip service and will have ZERO effect.

Yes, however, in this instance it is a trial, presumably to measure effectiveness?

[Andy Capp]

Hah, you win

[motormad]

Yes, however, in this instance it is a trial, presumably to measure effectiveness?

They claim it to be a trial but it would not be a "trial" it would end up "just being".

[JeffG]

For people like me who didn't have a clue what triggered this thread, here is a link:

http://news.sky.com/story/1191319/drivers-...way-speed-limit

[Blake]

I am wholeheartedly in favour of the 60mph limit to slash pollution. My only criticism is that it should slightly lower, say 55mph.

Time is running out for our world to save itself from the catastrophe of climate change.

In all honesty, I'd like to see the whole country adopt this more rational speed limit. It would help slash gas consumption, air pollution and reduce the severity of collisions.

Bring it on!

[Andy Capp]

I am wholeheartedly in favour of the 60mph limit to slash pollution. My only criticism is that it should slightly lower, say 55mph.

Time is running out for our world to save itself from the catastrophe of climate change.

In all honesty, I'd like to see the whole country adopt this more rational speed limit. It would help slash gas consumption, air pollution and reduce the severity of collisions.

Bring it on!

*Cobblers*

[motormad]

I am wholeheartedly in favour of the 60mph limit to slash pollution. My only criticism is that it should slightly lower, say 55mph.

Time is running out for our world to save itself from the catastrophe of climate change.

In all honesty, I'd like to see the whole country adopt this more rational speed limit. It would help slash gas consumption, air pollution and reduce the severity of collisions.

Bring it on!

Are you American?

Rather than that you need to tackle things GLOBALLY. We are just a drop in the ocean. China is by far the worst country for pollution. Cows pollute more than cars. We can make beef without the need for cows anymore. Can we kill all the cows and the Chinese?

[Ron]

Time is running out for our world to save itself from the catastrophe of climate change.

Our world will save itself no matter what we do. We might not be here to see it though, just like the Dinosaurs.