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In 2023, transport was responsible for 29% of the UK’s total emissions[1]. These figures significantly increase to around 40% for the East. It’s a well-known issue that needs urgent action to create a greener, healthier, and prosperous region. Sub-national Transport Bodies have a key role to play in the decarbonising mission, and this message was amplified at the recent Net Zero Conference for the East by Chairs Liz Leffman and Will Quince.

Supported by the East of England Local Government Association and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the conference shined a light on the steps taken so far to reduce carbon emissions. However, there are still plenty of challenges that need addressing, as Chair of England’s Economic Heartland Cllr Liz Leffman explains.

“Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for enhancing air quality, which directly impacts our health by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. Improving transport choices available is a key aspect in the mission to net zero.

“Promoting walking and cycling can lead to a fitter population, while better public transport systems offer new opportunities and connections for our communities and can encourage people to use their car less.

She said cross regional collaboration and strategies were required as emissions do not adhere to local authority boundaries. However, the solutions must be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each area: “A one-size-fits-all approach will not work.”

Cllr Leffman said cross-regional collaboration is exemplified by the successful campaign for the Ely Rail Junction upgrade – a project highlighted in the East of England Local Government Association’s Opportunity East document. Upgrading rail capacity at Ely Junction could remove 100,000 HGVs from our roads, reduce carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes over 60 years, and facilitate new passenger services across the East.

She said: “The government’s commitment to funding this project was confirmed last October, but we need immediate action to move forward with Network Rail’s development of the scheme.

“The benefits of improving rail are also demonstrated with the East West Rail project. This will provide a significant alternative to car travel, with the section between Oxford and Milton Keynes opening next year. We’re also advocating for the electrified extension to Cambridge and onward services to Ipswich and Norwich.”

Cllr Leffman added that supporting partners’ technical capability to make the right decisions is also crucial to become net zero.

“England’s Economic Heartland has developed the Decarbonisation Playbook, a tool that helps local and combined authorities understand the specific types of emissions in their areas and identify bespoke pathways to achieve net zero.”

Will Quince, who became Chair of Transport East in 2024, echoes Cllr Leffman’s sentiments. He joined the organisation to lead the region’s transformation to net-zero accelerate the pace for communities to become cleaner, greener, and healthier and agrees a key component to achieving this is having access to localised data and insight.

“Transport East and EEH have developed detailed tools, analytics, and evidence basis to support local authorities and other partners make the best decisions that support the decarbonising of transport. One key area is supporting the shift to Electric Vehicles (EV) and providing partners with insight on implementing the right EV infrastructure in the right places.

“By providing evidence on demand, charging speeds, grid capacity, and local constraints, we help local authorities develop effective EV strategies, strengthen funding bids, and leverage private sector investment. Our recent data refresh shows progress. From 2022 to 2023, the Transport East region saw a 43% increase in public EV chargers, with nearly 600 more on our roads and in car parks. This infrastructure growth matches a 45% increase in EVs, or 14,500 more vehicles.

He said that freight is another critical area for decarbonisation.

“With 13 ports and airports, our region is vital to the UK’s international trade. Increasing rail freight capacity is essential for achieving net zero, and the upgrades at Ely and Haughley Junction will significantly boost capacity from the Port of Felixstowe to the Midlands, facilitating a greener movement of goods and supporting the nation’s economy.

He added: “The Secretary of State for Transport has set out clear transport ambitions: improving railways, bus services, infrastructure, social mobility, regional equality, and greener transport. The work of Sub-national transport bodies is essential to achieving these goals. We advocate for a stronger voice in rail reform, fairer funding for bus services, inclusive transport models, and better integration of transport networks with land use, digital, and energy planning. All of which drive towards the region becoming net zero.

“With ongoing government support, Sub-national Transport Bodies and our partners can continue to advance these initiatives and make significant strides in achieving net zero in the East.”

[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6604460f91a320001a82b0fd/uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-provisional-figures-statistical-release-2023.pdf#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk%2Fmedia%2F6604460f91a320001a82b0fd%2Fuk