North of England launches first Transport Decarbonisation Strategy

Transport for the North (TfN) has launched the region’s first Transport Decarbonisation Strategy and set the ambitious target of near-zero carbon emissions from road and rail by 2045.

The North is the first UK region to produce a decarbonisation strategy and highlights the region’s ambition in being at the forefront of a green industrial revolution and tackling carbon emissions.

Publication of the Transport Decarbonisation Strategy comes after a public consultation this summer. The strategy sets out four priorities for the region’s transport system: rail electrification; improving public transport including Northern Powerhouse Rail; developing a Zero Emission Vehicle charging infrastructure framework; and developing a regional route map for transport decarbonisation.

Plans also put an emphasis on the growth opportunities for the region that come from decarbonisation.

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:

“Tackling the climate emergency is a critical challenge, and the North of England has an important role to play. As outlined in our Transport Decarbonisation Strategy and highlighted by our Members, we believe our region can, and must, take clear and comprehensive action to decarbonise surface transport over the coming years.

“Our regional strategy shows how the North of England can lead the UK in decarbonising our transport system, and we will now take forward those activities at pace and ensure decarbonisation goals underpin all our work. This will embed sustainability within all transport projects and improvements, helping us build a greener North of England.

“Through this regional strategy we demonstrate the real power of TfN’s Members speaking with one voice and putting action behind our words. Together we have set ourselves an ambitious challenge, and it is one we are all fully behind and will work towards as a region with passion and determination.”

The full strategy is available to download and read in full from the TfN website.