12 British cities have been shortlisted after bidding for a share of a £35m fund to become centres of excellence for low emission vehicles. The announcement was made on March 11, 2015.
The Go Ultra Low city scheme will reward cities that demonstrate the most potential to become internationally outstanding examples for the adoption of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs).
The funding was announced alongside an additional £30m to enable local authorities and bus operators to replace existing vehicles with greener alternatives.
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.”
Business Minister Matthew Hancock explained: “Our 12 strong shortlist will now be whittled down to up to four to decide who will share £35 million of government funding. Supporting new technologies is a key part of our long-term economic plan.”
The 12 cities and authorities shortlisted for the scheme are:
- 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 shortlisted cities have been invited to fully develop their proposals over the summer and the winners will be announced in the autumn.
On the same day, the next wave of the Green Bus Fund was announced, with low emission technology expected to be fitted to 147 buses.
Just over £3m of funding was announced, with seven towns and cities awarded government grants to fit green technology to existing buses.
Baroness Kramer said: “The £3m funding announced today will help improve town centre air across England, benefitting residents and businesses. These grants continue this government’s commitment to lowering emissions from public transport and supports the growth of green transport in the UK.”
The local authorities to benefit from this fund are:
- Centro (West Midlands) – £406,250 grant for exhaust gas treatment on 21 buses;
- Durham – £440,496 grant to add flywheel hybrid technology to 28 vehicles;
- Blackpool – £500k to treat exhaust gases on 30 buses;
- West Yorkshire – £221,550 for exhaust gas treatment on 23 buses;
- York – £475,760 for full electric drive systems on five buses;
- Suffolk – £494k for exhaust treatment on 26 buses;
Plymouth – £484,921 to fit flywheel hybrid technology to 14 buses.
