COP warned that EV shift not enough

World leaders have been told that shifting to electric vehicles will not be enough to reduce transport emissions.

Addressing world leaders and COP in Glasgow, the Sustainable Transport Alliance has insisted that technology alone cannot reduce transport emissions. It has said that reducing traffic and shifting towards public and community transport, walking, cycling and shared mobility must be a major climate goal.

The Sustainable Transport Alliance is made up of Bus Users, Campaign for Better Transport, Community Rail Network, Community Transport Association, Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), Living Streets, London Cycling Campaign, and Sustrans.

Jools Townsend, chair of the Sustainable Transport Alliance, and chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “The inspiring campaigners and change-makers from around the world who have been addressing COP26 have been underlining how we must put people, communities and justice at the forefront in tackling the climate crisis, and this very much applies to transport.

“The evidence is clear that we cannot put all our faith in electric cars – we need a more fundamental shift in how we get around, and we have much to gain from this.
“By focusing on a shift towards public, shared and community transport, walking and cycling, we can create healthier, happier communities and more equal access to opportunity, without adding to emissions and environmental problems through the manufacture of millions more cars.”