Region launches first Transport Decarbonisation Strategy

The North of England has launched its first Transport Decarbonisation Strategy, with Transport for the North (TfN) setting an ambitious target of near-zero carbon emissions from road and rail by 2045.

The strategy is the first of its kind for a UK region, and highlights the North’s ambition to lead the way in tackling carbon emissions, setting targets earlier than national plans.

The Transport Decarbonisation Strategy has bene published following a public consultation over the summer, which agreed four priorities for plans. These priorities cover 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.

In addition to changing to zero-carbon energy sources for vehicles and encouraging wider public transport use, 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.