Zero Carbon Harrogate Strategic Plan
9th November 2020
Zero Carbon Harrogate has published its Vision and Strategic Plan, setting out how the Harrogate District can become carbon neutral by 2030. North Yorkshire County Council has committed to net zero in the county by that date.
Transport emissions in Harrogate are higher than the national average, and account for 49% of the total (see pages 7 and 8 of the report). The A1M is responsible for a large proportion of these emissions. Transport emissions have reduced by only 0.6% over 10 years.
2030 Imagined
In a section called 2030 Imagined, the report pictures a low-carbon Harrogate in 10 years' time. The points relevant to transport include:
- Town planning prioritises pedestrians, active travel and disabled access
- Active transport is the preferred option for shorter journeys
- A network of pedestrian and cycle routes in and between urban areas make active travel a pleasurable choice
- Home Zones have reduced traffic and improved street safety
- Town centre mostly pedestrianised
- Car ownership has reduced and residents use car club vehicles when needed
- Park & Ride facilities are available
- Road construction has been limited to reallocation of street space and improvement of the existing network
- Public transport is reliable and uses renewable fuel sources
Strategic Plan
Points in the Strategic Plan that are relevant to transport include establishing a Car Free Friday, and encouraging home working. Zero Carbon Harrogate also want to support the development of active travel infrastructure, and promote the use of car clubs.