TfN responds to government’s Transport Decarbonisation Strategy

Transport for the North (TfN) has said the government needs to ‘translate aims into action’ in response to its strategy for the decarbonisation of domestic transport by 2050.

The government’s plans outline priorities to create cleaner air, healthier communities, and tens of thousands of new jobs. TfN has this year set out its own Decarbonisation Strategy for road and rail transport across the North of England, and has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. A consultation on the draft plan is currently underway with a finalised strategy set to be published later this year.

Responding to the government’s announcement, Tim Wood, Interim Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:

“Addressing the climate emergency through the decarbonisation of our transport network is an urgent priority, and this national plan is to be welcomed. The key will be to translate its aims into action as swiftly as possible.

“As our Decarbonisation Strategy for the North of England is finalised later this year we’re confident that our region will set the pace for climate action and hit our target of near-zero carbon emissions from surface transport by 2045 – ahead of national policy.

“The North is at the cutting edge of green innovation and is perfectly positioned to lead the way on many of the opportunities and initiatives – such as the rollout of electric vehicle charging networks and adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel. Investment in our region will support the critical Green Economic Revolution and aid the wider levelling-up agenda.

“Publishing the Integrated Rail Plan must now be a priority in order to understand when HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and other major projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade and rail electrification will be delivered.”

The government’s Transport Decarbonisation Strategy was announced in parliament by Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps MP, who said:

This suite of announcements marks a major leap forward in delivering ambitions to decarbonise transport and we are the first country in the world to do this, taking a firm leadership position as we host COP26 later this year.

“The plan is ambitious, consumer friendly and world leading. It will create economic growth, new industries and jobs and help us Build Back Better and Greener.”