Electric cars will not save the planet

With COP26 still fresh in our minds, we must listen to the science which tells us that we must all consume fewer resources and use energy more efficiently by cutting out waste, if we are to stay below a 1.5 degree temperature rise by 2030.

But this is not the message we get from the false propaganda put out by the motor industry.

Studies show that there are not enough resources in the world to produce all the batteries necessary for a mass change to electric cars and lorries - see this from the Natural History Museum - https://www. nhm.ac.uk/press-office/pressreleases/leading-scientists-set-outresource-challenge-of-meetingnet-zer.html.

As well as this, producing electric cars and batteries has a massive carbon footprint. Also, experts in the field predict there will not be enough capacity in the national grid for a huge number of electric cars.

Another scientific study shows the rubber tyres produce deadly PM2.5 particles that when breathed in, get into the blood stream, and are washed into rivers, doing major long-term harm.

Hydrogen and fuel cells are not the ‘magic bullet’ some people predict. Most of the energy, when used in this way is thrown away as heat.

The only logical answer, if we are to have a sustainable transport system, is to have a system based around electric vehicles on steel tracks. That is trains and trams. Freight Liner Terminals in every town and city to get more freight onto rail. Trams as the backbone of transport, in and between towns. Safe cycle tracks. This is where transport investment must go if we are to stay below a 1.5 degree temperature rise. Nothing new has to be invented. It is what is happening increasingly, all over the European mainland.

If anyone has better ideas, bearing in mind all the scientific facts, lets hear them? Don’t let the road lobby send us down a blind ally. Your next car must be a TRAM CAR.

David Lucas

Bath