Gearing up for the transition: The role of transport in a Northern energy strategy

Article

In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the leading role that road transport plays in illegal air pollution. The government is now required to bring air pollution to within legal limits within the shortest time possible. This looks set to accelerate a transition to cleaner, more efficient vehicles that has been underway for decades, partly as a result of to the imperative to decarbonise transport fleets in meeting the UK’s climate change obligations.

Meanwhile, developments in digital technology have opened up new opportunities, and this new transport frontier offers a significant socioeconomic opportunity for the UK through reductions in negative health, environmental and congestion outcomes, and the promotion of domestic industry. As the UK leaves the EU, its already well-developed innovative mobility solutions could be advantageous, but this mobility transition will only succeed if a new generation of clean and connected vehicles can be powered.

This paper explores the major problems facing transport, and the potential of a mobility transition to overcome these problems as part of a wider programme of socioeconomic renewal. It argues that the north of England is well positioned to play a leading role in this transition.

Related items

  1. A diverse group of runners smiling and high-fiving spectators as they cross the finish line

    The Europe agenda: Our values

    Why we must redesign our relationship with Europe around the values we share and want to defend.
  2. A view from above a wind turbine with two engineers standing on top of it

    Partner to scale: How international collaboration can enable the green transition

    Scaling clean industrial technologies requires a shift from fragmented national strategies to targeted, durable international cooperation.
  3. Three EU flags outside a large glass and steel building in Brussels, Belgium

    The Europe agenda: Trade and integration

    This briefing note explores the options for the UK to deepen the trading relationship and sets out a proposed path forward.