In August, both SYCA and Better Buses South Yorkshire (BBSY) submitted responses to a Transport for the North (TfN) consultation on its draft Strategic Transport Plan (STP).

TfN advises Government and local and regional authorities on policy and the most cost effective transport infrastructure investments across the north. Its STP sets out its overall strategy up to 2050.

Our SYCA response welcomed the new STP’s emphasis on decarbonisation and its comprehensive emissions modelling work. However, the emissions arising from all of its recommended alternative scenarios are likely to exceed its own targets.  Whilst we accept these targets are at least more ambitious than the Government’s, they do not fully reflect the climate emergency. Much more urgency is needed.

One crucial point is that TfN’s strategy seeks to support Government policy on economic growth and “net zero”. The Government believes that rapidly rolling out new technologies will enable both to be achieved. Relying solely on this approach is problematic, though, as even its own computer models fail to show how the net zero target can be achieved. In turn, TfN struggles with the same situation. Whilst it accepts that journeys in car and lorries need to be limited and partly replaced with more sustainable transport, it does not go far enough. Just as significant is TfN’s obligation to show how a northern transport system can provide sufficient connectivity to support a massive industrial expansion. Whilst this is technically outside of TfN’s control, industrialisation alone cannot achieve decarbonisation fast enough. It has to be supplemented by reduced material consumption demand. A whole culture change is needed, including a vast improvement in public transport.

BBSY’s submission also mentioned the strategy’s weakness on carbon emissions. It then focused particularly on the need to improve our bus services, stating “Economic performance in areas such as South Yorkshire will not improve unless supported by reliable and affordable bus services.” It stressed the difficulties currently being faced by the young, the elderly and those on low incomes, reliant on a declining service. It expressed support for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority in its exploration of a franchising system, the subject of a well supported local campaign.

To read our submissions in full, see:

SYCA-response-to-TfN-Strategic-Plan-Consultation.pdf

BBSY-response-to-TfN-Strategic-Transport-Plan.pdf

If you would like to get involved in or know more about SYCA’s or BBSY’s ongoing campaigns please contact info@southyorkshireclimatealliance.org.uk or betterbusesforsy@gmail.com.

Chris Broome 9 September 2023