The transport sector in the UK and EU is facing the twin challenges of managing the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and adapting to achieve net zero.
In the UK:
• The Government has three key opportunities to demonstrate its commitment to improving regional connectivity:
- The Levelling Up white paper;
- The response to the Union Connectivity Review
- The outcome of a consultation into the future of rural transport strategy
• 2022 will be the year in which the government is expected to make progress implementing the National Bus Strategy, Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
• Key policy initiatives expected to come in the year ahead include a strategy for developing electric vehicle infrastructure, active travel initiatives along with the government’s response to the Jet Zero and strategic plan for rail consultations.
In the EU:
• 2022 will see crucial discussions for the European Commission’s plan to effectively end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2035.
• Brussels institutions are hoping to make headway this year on efforts to reduce transport sector emissions, as set out in the Fit for 55 Package, and roll out green transport infrastructure.
• It is also set to be a significant year for aviation, as policymakers seek to unstick the Single European Sky proposals which have been mired for almost a decade. The French presidency has vowed to reform air traffic management rules amid concerns that the lack of progress is hindering aviation decarbonisation.
We will continue to keep members updated and engage with the relevant Government departments on your behalf. For further details, please email nfda@rmif.co.uk
