A “Decarbonisation Strategy” for Cheshire and the North of England is going out to public consultation today (June 7)
Residents in Cheshire are being urged 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.
It 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 use of electric and alternative fuel vehicles are a key part of the developing strategy.
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
* 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 present challenges and opportunities for decarbonising transport
Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and TfN Vice Chair, said: “In 2019, following consultation with residents, Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a climate emergency.
“We pledged to work to make the borough carbon neutral by 2045, and the Council carbon neutral by 2030.
“Next week, delegates at the Cheshire West and Chester: Developing a World Class Location for Net Zero Growth conference, will hear about the potential for the Ellesmere Port Industrial Area to fast track the UK’s Green Industrial Revolution and help to achieve the UK’s ambitious carbon reduction targets.
“Transport plays a major role in these targets, we have just installed 29 new electric vehicle (EV) charge points to help residents, businesses and the council to start making the switch to electric vehicles.”
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.
“Surface transport is the largest contributing sector to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for 22% of all emissions in 2019.
“The majority of this is from road transport, so there is a clear and urgent need to decarbonise our vehicles and roads over the coming years.
“But we must also take action on our rail network, with a rolling programme of electrification, and encourage a shift to more sustainable forms of transport and construction practices too.
“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 in Cheshire 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 on Monday June 7 and closes at midday on Tuesday August 31.
Recent Comments