Travel and transport

Emissions baseline

Transport is the second largest emitter in Bradford District at around 25%. Of this, 96% is from road transport.

Transforming travel and transport

Road transport accounts for almost a third of emissions in West Yorkshire and remains the largest emitting sector in the UK. Around 45,000 people commute daily between Bradford and Leeds, with 74% travelling by car, contributing to poor air quality and health issues.

Public health bodies emphasise that reducing greenhouse gas emissions often benefits health, as demonstrated by Bradford District’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), launched in 2022, which has led to significant health improvements, reducing nitrogen dioxide levels and NHS cost savings relating to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. One in five people live in the UK’s most deprived areas, where declining bus access exacerbates inequalities in employment and education. A reliable, affordable bus network can help to reduce these disparities.

In Bradford District, transport accounts for 24% of energy use, of which 79% are petrol or diesel vehicles. As fossil-fuel combustion engines are highly emissions-intensive, decarbonising transport is essential. While a shift from private cars to public transport and active travel is needed, increasing the use of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) is also crucial. ULEV adoption has grown, with battery electric vehicles now comprising 50% of the ULEV market in Bradford.

In Bradford, where over 65% of adults are overweight or obese and cardiovascular disease mortality is high, promoting more active forms of travel is especially important. Shifting to non-motorised modes of transport for those who are able, such as walking, wheeling and cycling, can help reduce these health risks by encouraging regular physical activity, ultimately improving overall health and well-being whilst also reducing the costs of travel.

The West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 (PDF) aims to enhance travel in West Yorkshire, focusing on increasing public transport and active travel, with midpoint targets of a 25% increase in bus trips, 75% more rail trips, and 300% more bicycle trips by 2027.

In line with this vision, Bradford Council and partners continue to roll out progressive sustainable transport infrastructure and behavioural change schemes to reduce emissions by shifting more trips onto public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling, which are accessible, affordable, inclusive and improve public health.

Mitigations and adaptation actions

• Mass Transit, Rail stations and connectivity
• Bus franchising
• Develop Bradford District Transport Strategy
• Cycling and Walking Infrastructure
• E-Bike Share scheme
• Transition to low emissions vehicles - EV Charging and Low Carbon Hydrogen
• Clean Air Zone
• Deliver and utilise Local Plan