Worcestershire's Highways Chief Criticizes Net-Zero Targets, Citing Affordability Concerns
Worcestershire County Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. However, the council's highways chief, Karl Perks, has expressed concerns about the affordability and achievability of net-zero targets, stating that the Reform UK party does not "stand with net zero." Perks emphasized the importance of community development and green infrastructure in the council's Streetscape Design Guide, which provides detailed information for planners and developers on what streets should look like in future developments. The council is also working to increase the on-demand bus service and infrastructure for new developments.
Key Takeaways:
- Worcestershire County Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
- The council's highways chief, Karl Perks, expressed concerns about the affordability and achievability of net-zero targets, stating that the Reform UK party does not "stand with net zero."
- Perks emphasized the importance of community development and green infrastructure in the council's Streetscape Design Guide.
- The guide provides detailed information for planners and developers on what streets should look like in future developments.
- 101 members of the public responded to the consultation on the streetscape document out of a population of 600,000.
- Emily Barker, the council's head of planning and transport planning, said there was good engagement with developers, agents, district councils, and with Homes England.
Statistics:
- 101 respondents to the consultation on the streetscape document out of a population of 600,000.
- The council aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
- The council declared a climate emergency in 2019.
- 600,000 population.
Sources:
- Worcestershire County Council (source of information on climate emergency declared in 2019)
- Worcester News (origin of quotes from Councillor Karl Perks)