Let’s come together to drive transport change

Why we are organising our first national conference

We are in a climate emergency and road transport is the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK. While the Government has set what they consider to be the ‘world’s most ambitious climate change target’, Grant Shapps has recently been approving a spate of new roads. Climate plays no part in his decision making whatsoever, other than being a technical nuisance he has to work around. A business as usual approach is being taken with new roads, while public transport and active travel remain underfunded or have seen funding cut.

Over the last two years, people across the country have been fighting tirelessly against new roads. Doing this in relative isolation during the numerous lockdowns was not easy. Now we are able to meet, our conference in Birmingham offers the perfect opportunity to connect with others. A city infamous for Spaghetti Junction (which is 50 this year!) has been working hard to transform its image. Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone has resulted in the number of high polluting vehicles inside the zone having halved. Air quality has also improved, with nitrogen dioxide levels reduced by an average of 13%.

Being in the room with others who are passionate about taking action and creating positive change will give us all the opportunity to share ideas. Whether that be about active travel, public transport, fighting new roads, or tackling the climate and nature emergencies or air pollution.

Learning from Wales

The Welsh Government recognises the need to reduce traffic and is reviewing all major road building plans to check whether they fit with the need to get to net-zero quickly enough. Unlike the UK Government, they are actually walking the walk, not just talking the talk!

We are thrilled to have Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change for the Welsh Government as our keynote speaker at the TAN Conference. Being able to hear from Lee about the Welsh roads review and what they are investing in instead will be both inspiring and informative.

We also have Jenny Jones, Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, talking about her private member’s Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill (Ella’s Law). Other interesting speakers and panellists include: Lisa Hopkinson researcher and associate of Transport for Quality of Life, Norman Baker, former Transport Minister, Sian Berry, Green London Assembly Member and Ali Clabburn, founder and chairman of Liftshare Group. If they weren’t enough, we’ve also got experienced campaigners and lawyers attending who you can speak to about your local issues or campaign. We hope attendees will be inspired to redouble their efforts to seek change and will learn why traffic reduction is so important.

Join us

To read about the workshops and discussions taking place and to book your place at the conference, click here.

Please note: if cost is a barrier to your attendance we have a small amount available for bursaries. Information about this will be in your confirmation email, but please do get in touch if you have any questions.