With transport currently responsible for 17 per cent of the country’s carbon emissions, the Welsh Government has committed to set new five-year priorities to tackle carbon emissions as it seeks to meet decarbonisation targets.  The draft strategy, Llwybr Newydd – New Path, sets out a range of new ambitions to reshape transport in Wales, including a new sustainable transport hierarchy that will guide investments towards greener transport options.

The strategy recognises that patterns of less commuting and more home working are likely to continue.  The administration has already outlined its long-term ambition for 30 per cent of the workforce to work from home or remotely, achieved by giving people more choice over how and where they work. The strategy accepts that more local services and more active travel can mean fewer people needing to use their cars daily.

The strategy also contains nine ‘mini-plans’ for modes and sectors: active travel; rail; bus; roads (including streets and parking); the third sector; taxis and private hire vehicles; freight and logistics; and ports, maritime transport and aviation.  Details will be delivered by a national delivery plan drawn up by Transport for Wales, supported by regional transport plans, and developed by the new-look joint transport committees.

The consultation is open until 25 January and can be found on the Welsh Government website.