The Government has outlined its vision for a future where public transport and active travel will be the ‘natural first choice’ for daily activities.
Launching a new consultation into decarbonising transport, the DfT explains the importance of a shift in emphasis – away from driving – in order to reduce transport emissions.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps says reducing vehicle use could improve people’s health and create better places to live and travel.
The consultation also sets out plans to ensure all road vehicles are zero emission – including motorcycles and HGVs.
It gives its backing to technological advances, including new modes of transport and mobility innovation.
In his foreword, Mr Shapps said: “We are perfectly placed to seize the economic opportunities that being in the vanguard of this change presents. The faster we act, the greater the benefits.
“Twenty-twenty will be the year we set out the policies and plans needed to tackle transport emissions. This document marks the start of this process.”
Government ‘taking climate change seriously’
The consultation has been welcomed by campaigners, who say it highlights the Government’s seriousness to tackle climate change.
Veteran cycling campaigner Roger Geffen told BBC News: “It’s absolutely amazing.
“This makes Grant Shapps the first government minister in the UK to talk about traffic reduction since John Prescott tried (and failed) to achieve this aim in the late 1990s.
“There are some holes in the document, but it suggests that the government really does seem to be taking climate change seriously.”
For many, driving is a pleasure and will probably remain their first choice for travel – locally at least.
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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Just words at the moment but at least the words are right.
We can only hope that spending plans will be modified with road spending focused on active travel.
Paul Luton
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