Consultation launches on North of England Decarbonisation Strategy, setting out ambitious targets for near-zero surface transport carbon by 2045

A Decarbonisation Strategy for the North of England is going out to public consultation today, giving people across the North East the chance to have their say on ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions from surface transport. 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 the region’s political and business leaders through Transport for the North (TfN), sets out the ambitious goal of achieving near-zero carbon emissions from surface transport by 2045. It highlights how the region aims to go beyond national policy and why coordination at a regional level will provide the best outcomes.

Surface transport is the largest contributing sector to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK – accounting for 22% of all emissions in 2019. The majority (95%) of this is from road transport, so opportunities around electric and alternative fuel vehicles are a key part of the developing strategy.

However, moving towards decarbonisation is not simply about lowering carbon emissions from traditional road vehicles – it can also mean making the most of opportunities such as technological advances to enhance the wider transport network and improve connectivity.

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

Councillor Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “We welcome Transport for the North’s Decarbonisation Strategy consultation and would encourage the people of the North East to get involved and have their say over the next twelve weeks.

“This strategy matches the objectives outlined in our North East Transport Plan which aims to take action to make travel in the North East net zero for carbon emissions.

“Transport innovation has a huge role in achieving the UK’s net zero carbon emissions commitment by 2050 and it’s right that we take steps now to address carbon emissions to benefit generations to come.”

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.

“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 across the North East 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: www.transportforthenorth.com/decarbonisation/.

The consultation opens at 00:01 on Monday 7 June 2021 and closes at 12:00 on Tuesday 31 August 2021.