The Urban Transport Group has voiced its support for recommendations made by the Committee on Climate Change on how the government can ensure the transport sector achieves net-zero emissions.
Created in 2016, the Urban Transport Group is the UK’s network of city region transport authorities, believes that achieving the target of net-zero carbon emissions is both “possible and affordable” by the middle of next century.
However, the Group believes national policies have to be in place to help transport organisations achieve these targets.
The Committee on Climate Change produced a report that contained advice to the government on the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050; within this, there were specific recommendations for the transport sector.
The report says that net-zero carbon emissions will become much more achievable within transport thanks to new technologies as well as a decrease in cost of electric vehicles.
And Jonathan Bray, Director of the Urban Transport Group, voiced his total support for recommendations made in the report, with national policies necessary to make zero emissions a credible target.
He said: “Nowhere is this more apparent than in the transport sector – the single biggest contributor of UK greenhouse gases.
“The Committee has set out a clear route map for how to tackle transport emissions, from stronger ambition on electric cars and vans, further encouragement of walking, cycling and public transport to avoid car dependency, and a rolling programme of rail electrification – measures we support.
“It is also good to see the Committee recognise the key role cities and local authorities play in understanding the needs and opportunities for carbon reduction in their own areas, whilst acknowledging their efforts to reduce emissions can be hampered by a lack of resources.
“The onus is now on government to give us the framework and funding we need to fully decarbonise urban transport.”