New strategy for transport decarbonisation in the South West
Fresh plans for a carbon transition strategy, including greater collaboration for trials, have been published by sub-national transport body (STB) Peninsula Transport.
The STB, whch covers Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay, reveals the scale of the decarbonisation challenge for the region and how it can be addressed.
The work shows baseline transport emissions of more than 4,400 ktCO2e per annum in the peninsula, while modelling indicates that transport emissions could still be around 3,300 ktCO2e per annum in 2050 – if current policy remains the only driver of decarbonisation.
As a result, it said “action must be taken now to help accelerate transport decarbonisation in the region”. In total, 12 actions were shortlisted, encompassing a range of approaches to accelerate reducing carbon emissions from transport across the peninsula, from reducing demand, changing the method of transport, using alternative fuels and encouraging ‘active’ travel such as cycling and walking.
The three priority actions for Peninsula Transport include: public transport prioritisation; creating a future electric network, including charging infrastructure; and a zero-emissions bus fleet.
Modelling
The strategy used modelling to forecast future transport emissions in the peninsula to help assess the effectiveness of different inventions, ranging from a ‘low ambition’ approach, which used current policy as a baseline, to a ‘maximum ambition’ approach which combined significant behavioural and technological changes for travel in the peninsula. It also focused on collaborative work to bring forward pilot projects.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Peninsula Transport chairman, said: “In the face of the climate emergency, action must be taken at all levels to reduce carbon emissions. We need to ensure that our approaches work with the demands of our peninsula’s unique geographical constraints. We need to be able to remove the barriers to public transport to make it a more viable option rather than taking our cars. We will ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support low carbon travel options, from riding our bikes to charging our electric vehicles.
“The Carbon Transition Strategy sets the foundation of what we need to do at a regional level to help accelerate work to achieve our carbon ambitions. Partnership working is key. The three priority actions for Peninsula Transport will complement and build on actions from our local authorities, operators and partners to help meet the challenge of decarbonising our transport system and at the same time ensuring widespread connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors across the region.”
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