The Urban Transport Group has today responded to the UK’s move to legislate for net zero carbon emissions.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced the Government will amend the 2008 Climate Change Act - which commits the UK to reducing emissions by 80% by 2050 - to a more ambitious goal of net zero emissions. 

Jonathan Bray, Director of the Urban Transport Group Board, said:

“The UK’s decision to legislate for net zero emissions is a watershed moment in our efforts to tackle the global climate crisis. 

“Investing in the right transport policies is absolutely key to decarbonising our city regions and achieving this net zero goal. The Government’s Spending Review offers an immediate opportunity to set a course for the net zero transition. In particular, we need a shift from stop-start funding for urban transport to long term stable funding which enables us to put the longer term plans in place which are needed for decarbonisation.  

“We also need a new funding deal for a bus sector which has been in long term decline. The bus is the main form of public transport in urban areas and getting more people onto buses in cities has to be a key element of any credible net zero plan.”