‘Greenprint’ sets out pathway to net zero transport

The Government’s newly-published ‘greenprint’ to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050 features a commitment to deliver the prime minister’s ‘bold’ plans for cycling and walking.

Announced in July 2020, the vision aims to see half of all journeys in towns and cities cycled or walked by 2030. It is supported by a £2 billion package of funding over a five-year period – the largest ever investment in cycling and walking.

Published on 14 July, the transport decarbonisation plan sets out how the Government will increase support for active travel to make it ‘the natural first choice’ for local journeys. This includes:

The delivery of thousands of miles of ‘safe, continuous, direct routes’ for cycling in towns and cities, physically separated from pedestrians and volume motor traffic

Creating a new funding body and inspectorate, “Active Travel England”, to enforce standards and raise performance

Supporting the creation of more School Streets to enable more children to walk and cycle to school safely

Further investment in cycle training and behaviour change programmes to support cycling and walking to school including Bikeability training and Walk to School Outreach

The vision also announces plans to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) by 2040, subject to consultation.