Transport decarbonisation scheme open until January 8th
A new £2 million scheme has been launched to encourage businesses and local authorities to work together to develop and trial transport schemes that cut emissions in the long term.
Warwickshire businesses are invited to apply to join the Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators programme, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT). The programme will help to grow local economies by supporting businesses to bring new solutions closer to market.
Any business can apply for up to £500,000 to run innovative trials that tackle local transport challenges on the ground. Half of this £2 million fund will be reserved for rural areas, of which Warwickshire has many, supporting them in unlocking the benefits of technology and innovation to tackle challenges such as access to jobs and reducing loneliness.
The trials will help to develop the green transport systems of the future while improving choice and availability of transport options for passengers.
The competitive grants will be awarded and delivered by Innovate UK – part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – and the UK’s national innovation agency, which helps businesses to grow and develop new technologies. The competition is now open and will close on January 8th, 2024.
Businesses can apply to the Transport Decarbonisation competition online.
Mike Biddle, Executive Director Net Zero at Innovate UK, said: “Taking a place-based approach to decarbonise our transport systems is critical if we are to reach our net zero targets both locally and nationally and prosper from the transition to net zero. Innovate UK is delighted to be working with DfT to invest £2 million in innovation projects aimed at not only reducing emissions but also building key partnerships between local authorities and businesses, which will ensure maximum impact.”
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy & Place, Cllr Martin Watson, said: “At Warwickshire County Council we attach the highest priority to finding long-term solutions towards making businesses and our local economy more sustainable. The Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators is a welcome addition to the support that we already offer, and I urge all businesses, particularly those in rural areas, to see if they could benefit from it.”