Fewer cars in future: Harrogate residents face new green consultation as Transport for the North aims to cut carbon emissions

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In the latest of a growing number of public consultations on attitudes to climate change, North Yorkshire people are being urged to have their say over decarbonisation plans for the whole of the north.

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 and why coordination at a regional level will provide the best outcomes.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “The County Council fully supports TfN's proposed Decarbonisation Strategy said: “Our county is the largest in the country and residents often have to travel long distances just to reach destinations within North Yorkshire.

"That is why we support improvements in public transport whenever we can to offer alternatives to the private car.

"We also continue to expand opportunities for safe sustainable travel, and to invest in the county's digital infrastructure to improve broadband and mobile phone reception.”

"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.

Transport for the North says that 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.

Tim Wood, Interim Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: “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.

“We urge everyone in North Yorkshire 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, June 7, 2021 and closes at 12:00 on Tuesday 31 August 31, 2021.

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