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Transport for Scotland acquire funding for low carbon and active travel

Posted: 31 July 2019 | | No comments yet

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is set to invest £13.25 million in the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund across Scotland, a significant increase in funding from previous years.

Transport for Scotland acquire funding for low carbon and active travel

In a bid to increase innovative active travel and low carbon transport hubs and solutions, £13.25 million has been made available for the investment in local initiatives which promote active or green transport.

£8.4 million has been provided through European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and this investment will continue to help people and communities throughout Scotland to benefit from further sustainable and greener travel options and help further strengthen Scotland’s contribution to global efforts to prevent damaging climate change.

While match funding is required, applications can cover 70 per cent or 80 per cent of the total project costs depending on location. Eligibility criteria have also been tailored to broaden the range of applicants and to encourage applications that will benefit rural communities.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “Through the previous two rounds of the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund just over £8.5 million has been awarded. This year, a further £13.25 million is available, thanks to European Regional Development and Scottish Government funding, and this increased investment signals the growing scale of our commitment to the sustainable travel agenda.

“The Challenge Fund is already bringing exciting projects to life across Scotland. We’ve seen the recently launched Irvine travel hub, with work soon commencing in Stromness to improve air quality, alongside the construction of an innovative electric vehicle charging hub in Falkirk which uses renewable energy. These projects will improve local air quality, and offer healthier travel choices while supporting our Climate Change Plan.

“For some applications, only a 20 per cent funding contribution would be required to be eligible for Challenge Fund support. This is therefore a fantastic opportunity for public, community and third sector organisations to bring forward their plans for sustainable transports solutions that encourage walking and cycling, promote the uptake of electric vehicles and provide further sustainable transport options across Scotland.”

Ellie Grebenik, Senior Programme Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “The third round of the Low Carbon Travel and Transport fund will support a range of projects across Scotland, and is intended to provide local communities with greater and easier access to active travel and low carbon transport hubs and paths. These projects work to support the Scottish Government’s objectives of reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and encouraging improved health outcomes through boosting the use of active travel.”