Brown: let's lower UK emissions by 60%

• Local Transport Bill announced
• Aims to avoid congestion increase
• Climate Change Bill aims to lower emissions

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown has confirmed plans to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% by 2050 and allow local authorities to press ahead with road charging.

The measures, which have been public knowledge for some time, were announced in the Queen's Speech, which traditionally opens the new Parliamentary session.

Government estimates suggest that unless it takes action, there will be a 22% increase in congestion by 2015.

As a result, it is giving local authorities the power to introduce local road pricing schemes.

It hopes that by investing the power in local authorities, the schemes will be tailored to suit the surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, the Climate Change Bill will result in the UK becoming the first country in the world to introduce a legally binding framework to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

It is intended to stimulate investment in the technology needed to move the UK towards a low carbon economy, partly by encouraging the use of biofuels among road hauliers.