A Transport Decarbonisation Strategy for the North of England - outlining the target of near-zero carbon emissions from surface transport by 2045 – has been launched today by Transport for the North (TfN).

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 and how the transport sector must act to address the challenge.

It highlights the ambitions of the North of England in tackling carbon emissions, with the region aiming to go beyond national policy and targets, with a clear plan for making progress as quickly as possible.

It also demonstrates the importance achieving a fair transition for all of the North’s communities - maximising clean growth opportunities; the need to ensure decarbonisation is at the heart of transport-related policy and investment decisions; and how action at a regional level can help the North achieve its collective ambitions.

The strategy was approved by the TfN Board on 24 November, where Board Members – the region’s political and business leaders – welcomed the detail and depth of work, highlighting important elements such as the need for modal shift, the transition to alternative fuels and delivery of adequate charging infrastructure, and the decarbonisation of freight, and noted the effectiveness of collaborative working on a challenge such as decarbonising transport.

Four priority activities have been agreed following the consultation on the strategy over summer. These cover rail electrification; improving public transport, including Northern Powerhouse Rail; developing a Zero Emission Vehicle charging infrastructure framework; and developing a regional route map for transport decarbonisation.

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: “Our regional strategy shows how the North of England can lead the UK in decarbonising our transport system, and we will now take forward those activities at pace and ensure decarbonisation goals underpin all our work. 

“This will embed sustainability within all transport projects and improvements, helping us build a greener North of England.”