Clean Air Strategy 2019: transport, a key priority

  • By Anonymous (not verified)

The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published on 14 January its Clean Air Strategy 2019. Chapter 5 focuses on reducing emissions from all forms of transport. It complements the Road to Zero Strategy published in July 2018.

The focus for road transport in on reduction of nitrogen oxides, supported by two funds, the Implementation fund and the Clean Air Fund. By 2030, government aims to see at least 50% of new cars sold to be emission free.  The overarching goal is for all new cars and vans across the country to be zero-emission by 2040. Buses and HGVs have also been targeted. The strategy emphasises work with international organisations to set standards and develop common regulations on emissions.

Modal shift through active travel is strongly encouraged, and Defra underlines the £1.2 billion funding it has made available from 2016 to 2021 to promote walking and cycling. Local councils have also invested £700 million since the publication of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy in 2017.  Recent government focus has been on e-cargo bikes with a £2 million fund announced last September.

Read London Council's response to the Clean Air Strategy and visit the London Councils webpage on air quality.

To know more about air quality and LEPT, visit our dedicated policy page.