The first event, as part of my series of (virtual!) climate assemblies with Hallam residents, will be on green public transportation.

I want to hear about the transportation the people of Hallam want for our city.

Transportation is the largest contributor of the UK’s greenhouse gases, with the vast majority of these emissions coming from passenger cars. A key outcome of COP26 must be a modal shift from polluting, private modes of transportation to greener, public transport.

The UK is overly reliant on costly and emissions-intensive modes of transport. Nationally, most journeys are made by car, the majority of people commute to work by car or van, and 78% of goods are moved by road rather than rail. In the Sheffield City Region, 71% of people commute by car, which has resulted in increased congestion, longer journey times and continues to negatively impact air quality and public health.

If we could reduce the usage of emissions-intensive vehicles across the city, not only can we help the UK reach its legally binding carbon budgets but also provide congestion-free commutes and improve the health and wellbeing of our city. With air pollution expected to kill over 1400 people in Sheffield over the next decade, and 15,000 in Yorkshire, we have to act now.

I am currently working with Louise Haigh on a bid to restore rail services to the Sheaf Valley, reopening stations at Millhouses, Heeley, and Beauchief, and expanding Dore & Totley station. We see this as one way we can ensure access to more sustainable modes of transport to the people of Sheffield.

We will update constituents on this campaign, as well as hear from Gareth, who is working on the Trades Union Congress’ Better Buses for South Yorkshire campaign. 

So join me on 4th February at 5.30 – 6.30pm to discuss how public transport should be transformed to tackle the climate crisis.