The Department for Transport has launched its new Decarbonisation Plan for England, which outlines the steps needed in six strategic areas to reach net zero emissions from transport by 2050.
The pillars include:
- Accelerating a modal shift to public and active transport.
- The decarbonisation of road vehicles.
- Decarbonising how we get our goods, including a transformation of ‘last-mile’ deliveries.
- Place-based solutions, to consider how and why emissions occur in specific locations.
- Transforming the UK into a hub for green transport technology and innovation.
- Leading international efforts to reduce carbon in a global economy.
As part of this vision, the government is announcing its intention to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) by 2040, subject to consultation.
Transport is the single biggest contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the UK, with levels remaining stubbornly at around 25% of all emissions. While the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in reduced travel, as national lockdowns encouraged people to stay at home, emission levels are returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Even as the number and range of electric vehicles (EVs) on the UK’s roads continues to increase, overall emissions from transport do not show signs of falling without stringent measures from government to steer a new course. The Decarbonisation Plan delivers this with an exciting new future for transport in England.
Image source: DfT
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