Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, has announced the creation of a Net Zero Road Map which includes details of a proposed Net Zero Trunk Road Network.
Announcing the plans, Ms Hyslop said:
“Scotland is facing a global climate emergency, with the impacts of climate change already being felt across our communities, economy, and environment. Transport is currently Scotland’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 37% of the national total. The Scottish Government is committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2045, and the transport sector has a critical role to play in achieving this ambition.”
In terms of the Net Zero Trunk Road Network, the plan would address activities associated with operating, maintaining, and improving the trunk road network generate greenhouse gas emissions through the energy used, materials consumed and waste produced. The Scottish Government, she says, has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and the transport sector has a critical role in delivering this ambition.
Transport Scotland is also committed to following a Decarbonisation Pathway (below), informed by evidence, collaboration with industry and an assessment of technology readiness.
“Transport Scotland aims to achieve Net Zero emissions from the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the trunk road network by 2045,” the statement continued. “To support this ambition, the Net Zero Route Map sets out the actions required to reduce emissions across the TRN in line with national climate targets.
“The Scottish Trunk Road Network is one of Scotland’s most significant national assets. Extending over 2,300 miles and valued at more than £30 billion, it connects our cities, towns, ports, and airports and supports economic activity across the country. The safe operation, maintenance and improvement of this network is essential, but these activities also generate greenhouse gas emissions that must be addressed if we are to meet our climate targets.”
Transport Scotland’s Fourth Carbon Management Plan sets out the government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions across its corporate activities by 2027. This Net Zero Route Map builds on that commitment by addressing emissions associated with the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Trunk Road Network, including those generated across the supply chain. Tackling these emissions will require new approaches, strong leadership and close collaboration with our Operating Companies and industry partners.
“The Route Map establishes a robust emissions baseline and sets out a clear and credible pathway to achieving Net Zero by 2045. It identifies the key sources of emissions and the interventions required to reduce them, with a strong focus on early action to support deep emissions reductions by 2030. This reflects the urgency of the challenge and the need to act now to deliver meaningful change.”
Developed collaboratively with industry, the Route Map recognises the importance of embedding carbon reduction into everyday decision making. It addresses emissions from materials, transport, plant and fleet, depots, and operational activities, alongside the policies, processes and behaviours needed to enable long term change.
Ms Hyslop concluded:
“This Route Map is an important step forward in delivering a more sustainable Trunk Road Network. Achieving Net Zero will require continued effort, innovation and learning as technologies and markets evolve. By working in partnership and maintaining a clear focus on delivery, we can ensure the Trunk Road Network continues to support Scotland’s communities and economy while contributing to a fairer, greener future.”
(Pictures: Artium Prekmoung; Transport Scotland)
