Transport Just Transition Plan: Consultation Analysis

8. Previous Participation Reports

It should be noted that the previous participation programme had a different focus and a different set of questions guiding the discussions. However, the findings from the 12 reports provide considerable consistency with the current feedback in terms of the topics and issues which were important. This suggests there has been little change in the priorities, and little progress in achieving these since 2023.

8.1 Key Findings

Consistent with the current consultation, feedback from 2023 highlighted the importance of the following issues:

• Prioritising alternatives to car use, including improvements to sustainable transport options, and for these to be in place before introducing disincentives for driving;
• Support for a move to EVs coupled with reluctance to rely solely on this to provide a just transition in transport;
• Support for measures to reduce the need for travel, as long as digital exclusion was considered. This would also require input from other sectors, such as planning;
• Support for education, consistent messaging and awareness raising to bring about behaviour change. Meaningful community engagement was also needed;
• Mixed feedback related to demand management measures. Support in specific circumstances, e.g. to tackle unnecessary SUV use and the use of private jets, frequent flying and short or domestic flights (with potential exceptions for island travel). Less support as expressed for general disincentives for car use in general;
• Mixed feedback and little consensus on how to pay for the transition;
• Workforce issues needing to be addressed. This included training for new and existing workers, as well as appropriate strategies and improvements in pay, terms and conditions to attract new workers. Concern was also raised over the automation of roles;
• The need to consider and provide exceptions or support for vulnerable groups and/or those living in rural areas, including those who do not have access to non-car based alternative travel options; and
• Concerns around infrastructure resilience, including digital connectivity and the transport system in the case of adverse weather conditions and climate change impacts.