Sefton Council Unveils Low Carbon Transport Strategy, Aiming for Net Zero Emissions by 2030

Strategic Insights -

Sefton Council has taken a significant step in addressing the climate emergency by developing a Low Carbon Transport Strategy, which outlines its plan to reduce transport-related emissions in the Liverpool City Region. The council has identified transport as a key contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for nearly a third of the region's Carbon Dioxide emissions. To mitigate this, Sefton Council has begun implementing various initiatives, including encouraging active travel through schemes like the Maritime Corridor, school streets, and neighbourhood projects. The council has also started work on electric vehicles and charging points, maintenance, landscaping, and drainage, as well as construction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sefton Council has declared a Climate Change Emergency and aims to reduce its own carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2030.
  • Transport-related activities account for nearly a third of the Carbon Dioxide emissions in the Liverpool City Region.
  • The council has started work in all areas outlined in the Low Carbon Transport Strategy, with early priorities including electric vehicles, active travel, maintenance, landscaping, and drainage, and construction.
  • Sefton Council is encouraging active travel through schemes such as the Maritime Corridor, school streets, and neighbourhood projects.
  • The council has achieved a 58% reduction in energy consumption for street lighting and a 3,700 Tonnes of CO2 per year reduction in carbon emissions through LED street lighting replacements.
  • Sefton Council is planning to integrate sustainable drainage in major schemes and expand school streets and school neighbourhoods.
  • Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, emphasized that "business-as-usual is no longer an option" and that every fraction of a degree matters in addressing climate change.

Statistics:

  • 30% of Carbon Dioxide emissions in the Liverpool City Region come from transport related activities.
  • 58% reduction in energy consumption for street lighting at Sefton Council.
  • 3,700 Tonnes of CO2 per year reduction in carbon emissions through LED street lighting replacements.
  • 2030: Target year for Sefton Council to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions.

Sources:

  • Sefton Council news release.