Government announces £65m funding for low carbon cities and greener buses

Twelve cities are competing for a share of a £35m Government fund which will support them in demonstrating their potential for becoming exemplars in the adoption of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs). The Government has also announced that an additional £30m will be made available to encourage the further adoption adoption of low emissionbuses, an area in which the UK has been at the forefront. 

 

In a joint announcement by the DfT, BIS and OLEV, the cities bidding for a share of the £35m pot include: Greater London Authority, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, North East Combined Authority, City of York Council, West of England, Dundee City Council, Sheffield City Council, Milton Keynes Council, Department for Regional Development of Northern Ireland, Oxford City Council, Nottingham City Council and Leicester City Council

 

The Go Ultra Low city scheme will reward two to four cities that demonstrate the most potential to become internationally outstanding examples for the adoption of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) in a local area. The results will be announced in September or October this year. (Note: the LowCVP Conference on June 24 will feature the urban mobility agenda and the potential for adoption of EVs and other low carbon automotive technologies in future cities.)

The Government announced the funding alongside an additional £30 million to enable local authorities and bus operators to replace existing vehicles with greener, cutting-edge alternatives to help improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. The new scheme builds on the success of the Green Bus fund, which delivered around 1,250 low emission buses onto England’s roads. The LowCVP worked with the DfT in the design and format of the Green Bus Funds 1 to 4 and is designing the detailed test process and reporting for the new Low Emission Bus fund.  A workshop for potential bidders is planned for early May.

 

Speaking about the funding, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: "This funding is an unequivocal signal from Government that we are committed to making ultra-low emission vehicles a practical and viable choice for more people.

 

"Today’s shortlist of 12 Go Ultra Low cities from across the country is an important part of our effort to improve air quality and establish the UK as a global leader in the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles.

 

"The additional £30 million investment in low emission buses is also a fantastic opportunity for local authorities who want innovative, cost efficient public transport in their communities."

 

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: "The government is working hand in hand with business to increase the uptake of electric vehicles across the country. This investment will improve local air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and create growth opportunities for firms who develop and manufacture this kind of technology. The bid for the north east where I am today is a real case in point."

 

The investment forms the latest part of a £500 million package set aside for ULEVs that was announced last year.