🚗 Event Recap: Accelerating Net Zero Transport – Unblocking the Barriers
The latest session of the Net Zero APPG, Accelerating Net Zero Transport: Unblocking the Barriers, brought together Parliamentarians, industry leaders, and policy experts to explore the practical and political reforms needed to decarbonise the UK’s most polluting sector: transport.
With the Government targeting an 81% cut in transport emissions by 2035, the discussion focused on how to make low-carbon travel the affordable, accessible, attractive, available and reliable choice for everyone.
Key Issues Identified
🔹 Slow Progress on Emissions
Despite decades of effort, surface transport emissions remain flat. Experts warned that emissions cuts need to quadruple by 2030 to stay on track. Car-centric planning and limited alternatives continue to hamper progress.
🔹 EV Adoption & Infrastructure Gaps
High costs, inconsistent messaging, and a patchy public charging network are slowing the shift to electric vehicles. Speakers called for better price signals, VAT reform on public charging, and faster rollout of infrastructure—especially in rural and low-income areas.
🔹 Equity and Behaviour Change
The current transition favours the wealthy. From EV access to public transport costs, panellists stressed the need for a just transition that doesn’t leave low-income communities behind. Behaviour change will require both incentives and disincentives, like road pricing and planning reform.
🔹 Rail and Aviation Challenges
David Clarke (RIA) called for a rolling electrification programme and urgent investment in rail, while Rob Griggs (Airlines UK) stressed the need for domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, supported by clear regulatory and funding frameworks.
🔹 Policy Clarity and Investment Certainty
Across the board, speakers urged for consistent government policy. From EV phase-out dates to SAF mandates and rail reform, uncertainty is delaying action and deterring investment.
Industry and Policy Insights
Claire Haigh (Greener Vision) called for a radical rethink of how we plan and fund transport, warning against “electrification without reform.”
James Court (Octopus EV) argued that the UK is “shouting from the sidelines” while the window to lead on EVs is closing.
Professor Jillian Anable (University of Leeds) emphasised the need for structural reform over incremental fixes, stressing that modal shift alone won’t be enough.
David Clarke (RIA) warned that the rail sector is ready but being held back by stop-start policy and underinvestment.
Rob Griggs (Airlines UK) called for reforms to unlock SAF production and make the UK a global leader in sustainable aviation.
Parliamentary Perspectives
Alex Sobel MP, Chair of the Net Zero APPG, framed the session as a call for realism and urgency.
Ruth Cadbury MP (Chair, Transport Select Committee) flagged the growing gap between urban and rural transport provision, and called for action on long-distance rail and aviation.
Perran Moon MP stressed that EV rollout must be driven by market expertise, not overstretched local authorities, and urged support for the used EV market.
đź“ť Click here to download the full meeting notes
Stay tuned for the next session in the Accelerating Net Zero series, and follow @NZAPPG for updates.
