Transport must be major focus of Net Zero plans: latest CCC report published
Responding to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest assessment that only a third of the emissions reductions required to achieve the country’s 2030 interim Net Zero target are currently covered by credible plans, Silviya Barrett from Campaign for Better Transport said:
“Transport is still the biggest emitter of carbon emissions in the UK so needs to be a major focus of any Net Zero plans. To help reduce emissions from transport, we need to be investing more in public transport and active travel and setting targets to increase their use. The previous Government’s decision to cancel HS2’s Northern leg and redistribute almost a third of the money to road building must now be re-examined as a matter of urgency. For the sake of current and future generations, the Government must consider the best way to expand rail capacity and improve connectivity to help reduce emissions from road transport, including reviving all or parts of the abandoned HS2 sections.”
The CCC assessment comes just days after Campaign for Better Transport released its HS2: what next? policy paper and set out its ‘high five’ transport priorities for Keir Starmer’s new Government.
Amongst other things, the charity called for a ‘modal shift’ target to increase the share of journeys taken by public transport and active travel, supported by more investment in public transport and an end to domestic aviation tax cuts and exemptions.
Campaign for Better Transport’s ‘high five’ transport priorities:
- Introduce targets to increase use of public transport and active travel
- Reform rail fares
- Commit to long-term funding for buses
- Reverse the cut to domestic Air Passenger Duty, tax domestic aviation fuel and introduce a domestic flight reduction target
- Replace current vehicle taxation with a pay-as-you-drive scheme.
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
- Read the full CCC report.
- Read more about Campaign for Better Transport’s position on HS2: Calls to halt sell off of HS2 land while the future of the project is reviewed
- Transferring HS2 funding to road schemes will not deliver value for money
- Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
