People in Blackburn with Darwen are being given the chance to have their say on the decarbonisation strategy posed for the North of England.

Launching today (June 7), an online consultation will allow the public to share their view on ambitious goal of achieving near-zero carbon emissions from surface transport by 2045.

The strategy, which was developed by Transport for the North discusses how the region aims to go beyond national policy and why working at a regional level will provide the best outcomes.

Among the potential actions and areas of focus the strategy considers are:

  • Zero emission vehicles, including cars, HGVs and buses, with a comprehensive network of charging facilities to support their wider use
  • The decarbonisation of the rail network through electrification
  • The use of hydrogen and alternative fuel vehicles
  • Encouraging modal shift towards more sustainable ways of travelling, such as public transport and active travel
  • Opportunities for decarbonisation in the freight industry
  • Carbon reduction when projects are built, as well as carbon capture
  • How Transport for the North’s four Future Travel Scenarios could present challenges and opportunities for decarbonising transport

Surface transport is the largest contributing sector to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK – accounting for 22 per cent of all emissions in 2019 with 95 per cent of this from road transport.

Moving towards decarbonisation is not simply about lowering carbon emissions from traditional road vehicles – it can also mean making the most of opportunities such as technological advances to enhance the wider transport network and improve connectivity.

Tim Wood, Interim Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: “Reducing carbon across our region’s transport network is an essential part of tackling the climate emergency - one of the greatest challenges of our time.

“We’re thrilled to be consulting a strategy for the whole region that outlines how rapid progress can be made and how the North can lead the UK in slashing carbon emissions.”

“We urge everyone in Blackburn with Darwen to get involved in this vital work and provide their views to the consultation, helping to shape future transport networks that are not only efficient and reliable, but are sustainable too.”

To find out more and respond to the consultation visit: www.transportforthenorth.com/decarbonisation/.

The consultation opens on Monday June 7 and closes at midday on Tuesday August 31.