Introduction
Emissions from transport make up the biggest part of Somerset’s carbon footprint at 28%. To decarbonise Somerset, we need to look seriously at how we travel in ways such as switching to electric vehicles, travelling by other means such as public transport, cycling and walking more and just reducing the amount that we travel overall.
In reality, it will take a combination of all these changes to help reduce our transport emissions.
Electric Vehicles
Somerset developed a joint Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy which was adopted in December 2020. To find out more visit our strategies page.
Electric vehicles will play a key role in reducing emissions where we still need to travel by road. Rather than running off fossil fuel-based petrol or diesel fuels, electric vehicles charge their batteries straight from the electricity grid. Electric vehicle technology has improved drastically in recent years. Vehicles can now travel further and offer the same reliability and comfort compared to a petrol or diesel engine.
The previous district councils have installed a number of electric vehicle charging points across council-owned car parks all over Somerset. See which car parks in your area have charging points.
Thinking of purchasing an electric vehicle? Check out this simple guide from the Energy Saving Trust – All you need to know about electric vehicles – Energy Saving Trust.
Active Travel
Active travel simply refers to travelling by non-motorised ways of travelling such as walking, cycling, using a mobility aid, wheelchair and so on. There is plenty of evidence showing that active travel is beneficial both physically and mentally.
In Somerset, we have ambitious aspirations for active travel improvements. Our vision is to see healthy and active communities, with a good-quality cycling and walking experience for all users. We want Somerset to be a county where everyone feels welcome and comfortable, whichever mode of transport they use. We understand the positive links between active travel, our physical and mental health, the environment, air quality and climate change.
For some simple tips on ditching the car have a look at our walking and cycling guides.
The Somerset Sports and Active Partnership (SASP) website has lots of information on staying active and healthy.
There’s lots of information available on different active travel routes as well as some of the amazing places to walk in Somerset:
- Areas of Natural Beauty
- Exmoor National Park
- The Strawberry Line
- Frome Missing Links
- Avalon Marshes – cycling
- Somerset walking and cycling maps
- Sustrans
Somerset Council is also working in partnership with Frome Town Council on a School Streets project. Find out more information on the Frome Town Council website.
Find out more information on the nearest 20’s Plenty campaign near you.
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
Somerset has been developing a series of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. These are focused 10-year plans for developing a cycling and walking network within a local area. They are key documents to support active travel funding opportunities. So far, three Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans have been developed – Bridgwater, Taunton & Yeovil. We have used data to understand journey patterns and determine where people are travelling from and to. A core network can then be identified to connect these places in an easy-to-use way for all those who choose to travel, from unconfident cyclists, those with less mobility, or people who just want to get out of their cars.
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
Public Transport
First Bus operates the bus network across Somerset. For general information on public and community transport visit our transport pages.
Great Western Railway operates all train stations across Somerset. To see travel times, have a look at the Great Western Railway website.
If you’re looking to plan your route, visit our think travel website which includes all public transport in Somerset.