The ‘Setting the Challenge’ document says that, based on current projections, existing transport policies will not achieve a fast enough rate of emissions reduction for the sector to fully play its part in meeting the country’s 2050 net zero target.

It sets out a number of strategic priorities for further action – including accelerating modal shift to more sustainable forms of travel – which are expected to be expanded upon in the final Transport Decarbonisation Plan, due to publish this autumn.

Cycling group Sustrans’ chief executive Xavier Brice commented: “The report pulls no punches on its current assessment of where we are. Transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions, and private cars cause the lion’s share.

“Electric vehicles aren’t the solution,” he added. “The Government is now recognising that it is time to stop forcing individuals and communities into car dependent living.”

The report says an important aspect of reducing emissions will require people to use cars less and rely on a ‘convenient, cost effective and coherent public transport network’, with walking and cycling encouraged for shorter journeys.

New technologies and business models such as Mobility as a Service may help to enable modal shift, it says.

The document adds that further measures will be needed to help the transition to zero emission road vehicles, including a supportive regulatory framework, efforts to build trust in new technologies and provision of the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructure.

It also highlights a need to transform freight logistics through ‘an integrated, efficient and sustainable delivery system’ and sets an ambition for the UK to become an international leader in low carbon technology and transport innovation.

Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Darren Shirley said: “The document recognises that current policies will not be nearly enough to bring transport in line with net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and begins to lay the groundwork for a wide range of stronger measures.

“The final Transport Decarbonisation Plan must include concrete measures as strong as this vision if our transport system is to be made fit for the future.”

Walking charity Living Streets’ director of policy and communications Stephen Edwards also welcomed the report as “a fantastically positive sign that the Government is ready to prioritise the cleanest and healthiest forms of travel”.

He added that, with more people using active travel during the Coronavirus lockdown, “the Government needs to support people to make these changes in a post lockdown world by prioritising walking and cycling”.

(Photograph: Sustrans)