GreenFleet

£30 million funding will focus on low carbon buses and fuel generated from everyday waste to help reduce transport emissions, as part of the Department for Transport’s strategy to encourage low carbon transport and improve air quality.

As part of the funding, local authorities and bus operators will also have the chance to bid for an additional £10 million to buy new low carbon buses.

Also included in the fund is an increase in funding for the Technology Strategy Board’s low-carbon vehicle supply networks competition, which aims to develop UK supply chains for low and ultra-low carbon vehicles and a new test centre in Nuneaton, to develop and test future intelligent transport technologies, which could possibly increase fuel efficiency and improve congestion.

Also, a low carbon truck demonstration project, aiming to demonstrate the benefits of lower carbon heavy goods vehicles over a full range of operations and further funding for the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant programme, which supports the installation of refuelling and recharging stations for a range of alternative fuels.

£3.5 million will also support the increased use of biogas, a sustainable renewable fuel produced from waste material, which can be used in the same way as conventional fossil fuels, powering vehicles and homes.

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said: "These measures will not only help us to reduce emissions but also provide a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional carbon-based transport."

"I am confident that we are on the right track to deliver a greener and cleaner industry that meets the needs of society as a whole whilst addressing the environmental challenges we face."

Further information:
Department for Transport