The only way it is better for the environment is if it forces the poor plebs off the road leaving them free for the important rich; which is an appalling way to tackle a perceived pollution problem. (Besides on a world scale the difference it would make is miniscule.) High transport costs result in higher prices for goods in the shop, for us all. And hits hard those whose lifestyles require a lot of travelling. When I see folk supporting higher fuel costs I see they are supporting making my life (and the lives of those like myself) more difficult than it already is. Government needs no encouragement to engage in that activity, they seem to revel in doing so already. The answer to any perceived pollution problem is the development of less polluting fuels. Although a gradually reducing population would be the best long term option. Fewer folk tends to mean fewer vehicles and so less pollution.