Welsh Government focuses on low carbon transport

This is the first of two “Opportunities in Ultra Low Carbon Emission Transport and Local Mobility” events, and will be held in Wrexham Glyndwr University. The second will be in Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens at the end of February.

Opening the event, Transport Minister Ken Skates said:

“These conferences are important, as they focus on our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions in Wales.

“Our Environment Act sets out a clear pathway to a low carbon Wales, within the context of existing UK and international obligations, with a reduction in emissions of at least 80% by 2050.

“Decarbonisation has a significant place in our new Economic Contract, which is part of our innovative Economic Action Plan.

“Its purpose is to support delivery of Prosperity for All, our national strategy for Wales. The Plan sets out the pathway for transition to a low-carbon economy. It specifically commits us to leading the way in decarbonising our transport networks and improving the air quality of the communities they serve.

“In Wales, as part of our consultation on ‘Achieving a low-carbon pathway to 2030’ we included a range of Transport specific ideas, such as encouraging electric vehicle take-up by developing the charging network and providing in-city incentives.

“We also reinforced our commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of taxis and buses to zero within ten years, included ideas for increasing cycle use and better understanding of the relationship between speed limits and emissions.

“We have committed to providing £2 million to help secure a network of rapid electric vehicle charging points throughout Wales, and we are engaging with a range of stakeholders to identify the priorities for deploying delivery options.

“However, whatever we may seek to do, people are core and fundamental to achieving this. By working together we will find solutions important for Wales and take account of influences and what they will mean for future car ownership and personal mobility forming part of the equation we need to absorb.”