Urgent call for new government to achieve net zero transport

Zemo Partnership, previously known as the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership/LowCVP, is urging the Labour government to take prompt action in achieving net zero transport and making the most of the opportunities at hand.

Emissions from transport will need to decline much more rapidly if the UK’s targets are to be achieved

The organisation, which offers guidance to government and industry on the necessary policies and initiatives to accelerate road transport, has highlighted the pressing nature of the climate challenge, especially with a record-breaking 15 national heat records shattered in 2024 so far.

Transport accounts for approximately a quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, making it the largest emitting sector in the economy. To honour its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, urgent steps need to be taken towards decarbonising the transport sector.

Claire Haigh, the executive director of Zemo, emphasised, “Emissions, particularly from transport, must decrease at a faster pace for the UK to meet its goals. Delaying will only increase the costs of the net zero transition. We need to act swiftly to grasp the opportunities at hand.”

Zemo Partnership has put forth guidelines for the new government, outlining seven key principles to shape policies for achieving net zero transport, with a focus on adopting an economy-wide, whole-systems approach.

The organisation also highlighted the potential benefits of the net zero transition, estimating that it could be worth over £1 trillion for UK businesses, according to research by McKinsey.

Alongside the release of this guidance, the Council for Net Zero Transport has introduced a new Strategic Advisory Group, which includes CEOs of cross-sector trade organisations crucial for the successful delivery of net zero transport.

Established earlier this year by Zemo Partnership, the Council for Net Zero Transport is led by Lord Deben, the former chair of the Climate Change Committee and Environment Secretary. It also comprises key figures from government, industry, environment, and academia to facilitate collaboration and provide a clear, strategic direction for decarbonising road transport.

Lord Deben remarked, “Climate change will worsen yearly, underscoring the importance of government and industry collaboration to meet the legally binding target of net zero by 2050. The UK must capitalize on the numerous opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding green economy. As we move towards implementation, we must address the challenging issues that lie ahead. This is why we need to have an open dialogue about alternatives to fuel duty, with road pricing being a viable consideration.”

Claire Haigh from Zemo added, “We need to act swiftly to embrace the opportunities. A bold industrial strategy can serve as a catalyst for new technologies and innovations, bringing jobs and manufacturing to the UK. If we approach this correctly, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more equitable future for all.”