Our CEO, Xavier Brice, comments on the UK Government’s 'Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge' plan, published by the Department for Transport. The ambition set out in the plan is what we need to ensure that everyone in the UK can move and live better. But we will need to work hard to get there.
The Department for Transport yesterday published the UK’s Government’s 'Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge' plan.
In its forward Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, says amongst others:
"Public transport and active travel will be the natural first choice for our daily activities.
"We will use our cars less and be able to rely on a convenient, cost-effective and coherent public transport network."
What Sustrans CEO says
Commenting on the plan, our Chief Executive, Xavier Brice, said:
“The ambition set out in 'Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge' is what this country needs to be able to move better and live better.
“The necessary travel restrictions in the current Covid-19 emergency are highlighting that how we move is a fundamental part of how we live.
"The foreword of this report points to an achievable future where how we move around results in healthier places and happier lives for everyone."
Reducing transport carbon emissions
“We will need to work hard to get there.
"The report pulls no punches on its current assessment of where we are.
"Transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions, and private cars cause the lion’s share. Electric vehicles aren’t the solution.
“It is fantastic to see the Transport Secretary say that ‘public transport and active travel will be the natural first choice for our daily activities’.
"The government is now recognising that it is time to stop forcing individuals and communities into car-dependent living and undo the social isolation, poor health and inequity it has contributed to.
"We’ve got a long way to go, as the report’s projections of future cycling and walking levels based on current committed funding show."
Long-term investment in walking and cycling infrastructure
“The future of Government spending plans is of course now uncertain but our future resilience as a society depends on the investment needed to deliver on this challenge.
"The need is greater than ever for long-term funding of better infrastructure for walking and cycling.
"It will help make active travel the easiest choice for everyday short trips.
"And deliver a convenient, cleaner public transport network serving all our communities."
