Transport emissions must fall faster, says CABE

Merseyside businesses need to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions if the region is to meet the national target of halving transport carbon emissions by 2025, according to regeneration expert Dr Robert Hickman.

Hickman is author of the recent Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment report Hallmarks of a Sustainable City. He told business and community leaders at a Merseyside Transport Partnership breakfast briefing that connecting transport and urban planning is the key to reducing transport carbon emissions, which currently account for a quarter of all carbon emissions.

Hickman highlighted the importance of having a joined-up, strategic approach to the location and connectivity of new homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, leisure facilities and green spaces if the region is to successfully reduce its current level of carbon emissions.

He said: "We need to make sure good public transport networks are in place to help people shift from using the car to other modes of transport. The role of street patterns and design, for example, can make it easier for people to walk, cycle or take public transport to school, work or leisure destinations, rather than drive.

"Merseyside is actually doing a good job in encouraging more people to use sustainable modes of transport through its current Local Transport Plan, and through TravelWise initiatives. However, the region could be in a much better position and it really needs to build on that success. Merseyside has huge potential to become a centre of excellence for smarter travel choices, leading by example to other areas in encouraging more walking and cycling."

More than 100 delegates attended the event, which took place at Liverpool's Jury's Inn Hotel. MTP Chair, Neil Scales, hosted the breakfast briefing, which also featured speakers Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, and Edward Hobson, head of research and futures at CABE.

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