£2m competition to decarbonise local transport launched

The Department for Transport has launched a £2 million Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators programme to encourage businesses and local authorities to work together to develop and trial transport schemes that cut emissions in the long term.

Any UK 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.

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 will open on 27 November 2023 and close on 8 January 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."