Agenda item

To consider the update on progress made against the priority actions identified within TfN’s Transport Decarbonisation Strategy, and proposed future decarbonisation related Transport for the North activities for 2023/24.

Lead: Peter Cole 

7.1          Members received the report of Principal Environmental and Sustainability Officer and the Strategy, Analysis and Communications Director outlined the key aspects of the report.

7.2          Cllr Furley raised the issue of getting freight back on to rail and believes that this is a step forward and wanted to know how it would look.

In response the Strategy, Analysis and Communications Director stated that TfN will be examining with partners what is necessary to implement this ambition, using the evidence base to provide advice/priorities for investment. She explained that a right share target for freight has been included in the revised Strategic Transport Plan, which is being consulted upon, to test the ambition the North wishes to have to shift freight from road and rail.

7.3          Cllr Merrett enquired about accessibility and whether tools such as visualisers are being made available to the wider public.

The Strategy, Analysis and Communications Director confirmed that the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) and the Transport Related Social Exclusion (TRSE) tools are available on the TfN website.  She added that the clean mobility and hydrogen tools are being developed and hoped that these will also be able to be added to the website.

Cllr Merrett asked whether there will be a communications strategy with the decarbonisation strategy.

7.4          On the issue of hydrogen Cllr Salter stated that whilst the focus on hydrogen is on larger vehicles, he requested that smaller and private vehicles are not forgotten.  He referred to those who are economically less well off, tradespeople and those who have to use their vehicles for work of and stated that these people should not be priced out.

7.5          In response the Strategy, Analysis and Communications Director stated that TfN is looking at alternative fuels s.  On the issue of light freight, she expected this to be further examined as part of TfN’s work on freight and logistics in future. She stated that she would take away the points raised and include them within the thinking/forward planning for the work.

7.6          Cllr Davison spoke about the importance of moving freight out of lorries and on to rail because even by using hydrogen and electric there is still tyre pollution and congestion which are major causes to pollution.  He then highlighted the importance of inter modals, where there has been little investment. 

In response the Strategy, Analysis and Communications Director explained that a whole system approach needs to be taken with regard to transport which includes digital connectivity as well as the energy needs and distribution, and taking a broad view of potential impacts/benefits.

7.7          The Chair suggested that that all the work mentioned should be shared with council officers (where not done so already) as well as being available to the public. He highlighted the importance of quantified carbon reduction plans with quantified targets in order that corrections can be made along the way. The Chair opined that the national grid is the biggest block to new energy.

The Chair also stated that the Committee welcomes TfN’s commitment to wanting Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) in full, HS2 and Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

Resolved:

That the report and feedback be noted and that it be used on future proposed TfN decarbonisation activities and priorities for TfN’s Decarbonisation Strategy update due for 2025.