Consultation launches on plans for decarbonisation of the North’s transport

People from across the North of England are being invited to take part in a public consultation on a decarbonisation strategy for rail and road transport in the region.

Transport for the North (TfN) are looking to hear views on their plans to reduce carbon emissions in surface transport to near-zero by 2045. The consultation, which will run until 31st August, is the first of its kind for a UK region, and will give local authorities across the North the opportunity to act as one in tackling the climate emergency.

TfN’s Decarbonisation Strategy sets out the importance of tackling emissions in the transport sector to address climate change, as well as the importance maximising clean economic growth opportunities for the North. The plan considers potential actions across the following key areas:

• Zero emission vehicles, including cars, HGVs and buses, with a comprehensive network of charging facilities to support their wider use
• The decarbonisation of the rail network through electrification
• The use of hydrogen and alternative fuel vehicles
• Encouraging modal shift towards more sustainable ways of travelling, such as public transport and active travel
• Opportunities for decarbonisation in the freight industry
• Carbon reduction when projects are built, as well as carbon capture
• How Transport for the North’s four Future Travel Scenarios could present challenges and opportunities for decarbonising transport

Following the input of the public during the consultation process, a finalised Decarbonisation Strategy will be adopted by TfN in Autumn 2021 to form the blueprint for green transport investment in the North. Tim Wood, Interim Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:

“Reducing carbon across our region’s transport network is an essential part of tackling the climate emergency – one of the greatest challenges of our time. We’re thrilled to be consulting a strategy for the whole region that outlines how rapid progress can be made and how the North can lead the UK in slashing carbon emissions.

“Surface transport is the largest contributing sector to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for 22% of all emissions in 2019. The majority of this is from road transport, so there is a clear and urgent need to decarbonise our vehicles and roads over the coming years. But we must also take action on our rail network, with a rolling programme of electrification, and encourage a shift to more sustainable forms of transport and construction practices too.

“Our Decarbonisation Strategy is a vital piece of work in moving the North of England towards the ambitious goal of near-zero carbon emissions from surface transport by 2045. Using data and insights, alongside predictions and modelling analysis, the strategy sets out the challenges and opportunities ahead, providing a clear trajectory that will not only lower emissions, but also enhance connectivity for our region’s people and businesses.

“We urge everyone to get involved in this vital work and provide their views to the consultation, helping to shape future transport networks that are not only efficient and reliable, but are sustainable too.”

To find out more and respond to the consultation visit the TfN website.