Extra carbon emissions charge could be slapped on airline tickets under Whitehall plans
People buying airline tickets could face an extra charge for carbon emissions being added automatically in the coming years.
Government ministers are considering forcing airlines to add so-called carbon offsetting payments to tickets.
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The extra charge would be voluntary, but passengers would have to opt out to avoid it. Trains, buses and ferries could also be subject to the payment.
Carbon offsetting helps people compensate for emissions produced from their journeys.
The extra payment would go towards schemes like tree planting to help make up for the emissions.
The government is concerned consumers do not trust that their travel payments support worthwhile causes.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Climate change affects every one of us and we are committed to ensuring that transport plays its part in delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“An offsetting scheme could help inform travellers about how much carbon their journey produces and provide the opportunity to fund schemes, like tree planting, to compensate for those emissions.
“However, our focus remains to target the development, production and uptake of zero emission technology across all modes of transport.”
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The Department for Transport has opened public call for evidence on the matter, which lasts until the end of September.
Transport accounted for approximately one third of UK carbon dioxide emissions in 2018.
Main image: Getty