THE WEST Midlands is driving towards a clean and green transport future as the region seeks better ways of managing the road networks and harness new ideas and new technology.
That was the message from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) interim chief executive Laura Shoaf in a keynote speech to transport industry leaders at the Highways UK conference at the NEC.
The conference showcased how the region is to become a centre for transport innovation, through initiatives such as the £22million Future Transport Zone – which is trialling ground-breaking projects such as mobility credits and demand responsive bus services.
The new mobility hub, which will bring small scale transport services such as bike hire and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging into local communities, was on display at the exhibition.
As world leaders meet at COP 26 in Glasgow to set new carbon reduction targets and net-zero deadlines, Laura told the conference that the transport sector would play a leading role in delivering both the UK’s net-zero ambitions and the country’s post Covid-19 recovery.
She said: “To meet our ambitions for net carbon zero and encourage better use of our existing roads and highways, we must think about all types of road users, from cyclists to scooters, cars, taxis and buses.
“By continuing to consider the region’s transport methods holistically and through our ongoing focus on innovation and creative problem-solving, we will be able to reduce the damage that we are doing to our planet while ensuring faster, more efficient and more sustainable methods for transport – helping to keep the region and UK moving.”
