23 January 2017
The Green Party is aiming to bring Norwich’s transport system into the 21st century with a motion calling onNorwich City Council to spearhead a transition to ultra-low-emission vehicles.
The motion, which will be debated at a council meeting on Tuesday 24th January, proposes working with Norfolk County Council and other bodies to “develop a vision, strategy and set of policies for promoting the uptake of low-emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure”. It also calls on the council to lead by example through switching to 100% electric pool cars.
Green councillor Denise Carlo, who is proposing the motion, says Norwich has some catching up to do. “It’s eight years since the national Climate Change Committee set out plans for de-carbonising the UK’s transport and three years since the Government set out its vision to transform the national car and van fleet to ultra low emissions by 2050,” she explains.
“Other UK cities have made headway, leaving Norwich and Norfolk behind. There is no mention of low-emission vehicles in the Transport for Norwich strategy, and that urgently needs to change. To date, there are fewer than 30 electric charging points in place for the whole of Norwich.”
“With the climate crisis growing by the day, and thousands of new homes and jobs planned for the Norwich area, it is vital to have a forward-looking sustainable transport strategy in place. By supporting this motion, the city council can move the issue up the agenda and show that Norwich is serious about climate change and airpollution.”
Councillor Carlo is quick to acknowledge that new technology will not solve all Norwich’s transport problems. “As the Green Party has been saying for years, what is needed is major sustained investment in public transport, rail, car clubs, walking and cycling to enable a major shift away from private car use.
“However, the need for cars is not going to vanish overnight, and ultra-low-emission vehicles have an important part to play in cutting carbon emissions and pollution.”
