Zemo Partnership, formerly Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership/LowCVP, has called on the Labour government to act swiftly on delivering net zero transport and maximise opportunities.

Emissions from transport will need to decline much more rapidly if the UK’s targets are to be achieved

The organisation, which provides guidance to government and industry around the policy and initiatives needed to accelerate road transport, warned that climate challenge is more urgent than ever and pointed to a record 15 national heat records broken so far in 2024.

Transport is responsible for around a quarter of the total UK greenhouse gas emissions – making it the largest emitting sector of the economy. For the UK to achieve its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions commitment, the decarbonisation of transport is an urgent priority.

Zemo’s executive director Claire Haigh said: “Emissions – especially from transport – will need to decline much more rapidly if the UK’s targets are to be achieved.

“The more we delay, the more the net zero transition will cost. We must move fast to seize the opportunities.”

Zemo Partnership has published guidance for the new government setting out seven key principles to inform policy on delivering net zero transport – emphasising the importance of an economy-wide, whole-systems approach.

It’s also spotlighted that the net zero transition could be worth more than £1 trillion to UK businesses, according to an estimate by McKinsey.

To coincide with the publication, the Council for Net Zero Transport announced the launch of a new Strategic Advisory Group – including CEOs of cross-sector trade organisations, which are vital to the delivery of net zero transport.

Formed earlier this year by Zemo Partnership, the Council for Net Zero Transport is chaired by Lord Deben, former chair of the Climate Change Committee and Environment Secretary, and also includes senior figures from government, industry, environment and academic sectors to enable collaboration on a clear, strategic direction for road transport decarbonisation.

Lord Deben commented: “Climate change will get worse every year and this means that it is crucial for the Government and industry to work together to focus on delivering the UK’s legally binding target of net zero by 2050.

“The UK can and must deliver on the many opportunities offered by the fast-growing green economy. As we move into delivery, we must also face the difficult questions that we know must be addressed. That’s why now is the time to have an honest conversation about what will replace fuel duty. Road pricing cannot be dismissed.”

Zemo’s Claire Haigh added: “We must move fast to seize the opportunities. An ambitious industrial strategy would act as a catalyst for new technologies and innovation, bringing jobs and manufacturing to the UK. If we get this right, we will build a cleaner, safer and fairer future for us all.”