Transport Just Transition Plan: Consultation Analysis

9. Concluding Remarks

Several key issues were raised repeatedly throughout the consultation. These issues also highlight consistency with the key findings from the 2023 feedback. The recurring themes included:

• That the plan should be much more action focused, outlining how change will be achieved, and including lines of responsibility and timescales for change;
• The need to improve public transport to make this a viable, accessible and attractive option;
• The need to improve active travel opportunities and infrastructure;
• The need to better integrate active travel and public transport;
• More focus was needed on the sustainable transport hierarchy;
• More detailed consideration was needed of different vulnerable groups and rural areas. They are likely to be more car dependent by necessity, less able to purchase EVs, and may find it more difficult to get transport related jobs;
• Greater support was expressed for ‘carrot’ rather than ‘stick’ approaches, although a few organisations did support the use of disincentives and traffic management approaches;
• Ensure policies provide targeted support where needed to avoid any unintended consequences;
• Ongoing meaningful engagement with stakeholders and collaborative working approaches will be key to successful design and delivery;
• Other policy areas and sectors of the economy will need to be considered and included for the Plan to be successful; and
• The need for financial and other support for individuals, communities, and businesses, as well as the public sector, third sector and education to deliver the required changes.

Several respondents were resistant to any changes which may negatively impact, discourage travel, or increase costs for vulnerable groups who have no other transport options outwith private car use. They were keen for appropriate mitigation measures to be reflected in the Plan. In addition, several individuals were sceptical of the draft Plan or the need for climate change action. This illustrates the importance of positive communication and messaging with the general public to secure support and buy-in.

Valuable feedback was provided across the consultation. Some comments were very specific and relevant to individual sections only. Other comments were more generalisable and relevant throughout the draft Plan. This feedback will inform future just transition planning in the transport sector.