Transport for the North wants your views on decarbonisation strategy

Northern Rail

A decarbonisation strategy for the North of England has gone out to public consultation.

The strategy sets out the ambitious target of near-zero carbon emissions from surface transport by 2045.

People and businesses from across the North are urged to have their say on the plan, with consultation open until 31 August 2021.

It is the first time a regional strategy of this type has been produced, bringing together the region’s leaders to speak out with one voice on the climate emergency.

The strategy, developed by Transport for the North (TfN), sets out why a regional near-zero carbon surface transport network must be achieved to help address climate change.

It highlights the ambitions of the North of England in tackling carbon emissions, with the region aiming to go beyond national policy and meet targets much sooner.

It also demonstrates the importance of maximising clean growth opportunities; the need to ensure decarbonisation is at the heart of transport-related policy and investment decisions; and why coordination at a regional level will provide the best outcomes.

Among the potential actions and areas of focus the strategy considers are:

  • 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

The final Decarbonisation Strategy will be adopted by the TfN Board this autumn and submitted to the Government as statutory advice on behalf of the region. It will form the blueprint for green transport investment in the North for the coming decades.

Tim Wood, interim CEO 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.”

Transport for North is among a host of speakers lined up for sustainability conference In the Circle North West taking place on June 30, where transport, manufacturing, construction, supply chain, hydrogen sector, green finance, recommerce, and the North West’s response to the crucial COP26 summit will be under the spotlight.

Tickets are available for the FREE virtual event.

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