"The Government believes that a modern transport infrastructure is essential for a dynamic and entrepreneurial economy, as well as to improve well-being and quality of life. We need to make the transport sector greener and more sustainable, with tougher emission standards and support for new transport technologies."

The Coalition: our programme for government

GovToday presents Sustainable Transport 2010 - Balancing the Needs of the Economy, Environment and Society Conference and Exhibition, which will be held at Church House Conference Centre on 20th October 2010.

GovToday's successful 'Securing the Future' series of Conferences continues with Sustainable Transport 2010. Our commitment to the 2008 Climate Change Act and the targets of a reduction in carbon emissions of 34 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050, have shaped the way we conduct our daily lives now and in the future.

In response to this, in July 2009, the former UK Government published, the 'UK Low Carbon Transition Plan' - the National Strategy for Climate and Energy - and this put transport "at the heart of industrial activism", impacting on the then Government's strategic approach to transport planning as set out in the 'Low Carbon Transport - A Greener Future' report also published in July 2009. Further evidence to support the shift to low carbon was then set out in the 'High Speed Rail White Paper' in March 2010.

The new Coalition Government has reaffirmed the commitment to cut carbon emissions, decarbonise the economy and make the transport sector greener and more sustainable, focusing clearly on: establishing Britain as a global centre for low carbon transport development, manufacturing and delivery; providing low carbon transport choices, including a renewed commitment to the electrification of rail transport and ultra low emission vehicles, and most importantly; creating a transport service that encourages a change in travel habits.

Sustainable Transport 2010 - Balancing the Needs of the Economy, Environment and Society will examine the new Coalition Government's future strategies and will provide an excellent opportunity to assess the direction of travel for the UK, the policies and implementation processes behind providing the necessary infrastructure to enable higher capacity, the innovation and technology behind green power sources and the transport planning and passenger focus required to create a sustainable network for the future.

Sustainable Transport 2010 - Balancing the Needs of the Economy, Environment and Society will bring together the leaders and key stakeholders involved in delivering this change to listen to the real concerns and issues of those at the forefront of service provision, and provide the opportunity to educate and share knowledge and expertise for the future.