Latest round of Air Quality Grants for local authorities awarded

Local authorities across England have been granted more than £11 million in government funding to deliver projects to improve air quality.

The money, from the Government’s Air Quality Grant, helps councils develop and implement measures to reduce air pollution. More than double the funding awarded in 2021 has been made available for this year’s grant.

Proposals which have won funding include projects and campaigns to encourage the uptake of green transport including e-bikes through improved cycling and scooter infrastructure and retrofit projects; and to promote efficient driving practices that will reduce pollution, such as turning  engines off rather than idling.

Brighton and Hove City Council and won funding to retrofit of 40 buses to Euro-VI standard.

Buckinghamshire Council will also receive funding to renovate a 10 year old Dennis Eagle 26 tonne Refuse Collection Vehicle to include an electric power train, as well as the installation of telematics system.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: "Active travel and the switch to zero emission transport plays a huge role in improving air quality and we’re committed to creating cleaner, faster and more efficient ways of getting from A to B.

"As we accelerate towards our net zero targets, funding announced today will help make our lives healthier by reducing our carbon footprint and supporting economic growth right across the country."

This latest funding means more than £42 million has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since 2010 across almost 500 projects.