Monday 28 March 2022

Bristol secures £500k to become zero-emission transport city

Bristol has secured £500,000 for the development of projects that will support the city's ambition to become a zero-emission transport city.

The funding will be used for a series of feasibility studies to install charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) at council-run car parks and popular destinations and speed up the rollout of mobility hubs that pool shared transport providers at a single location.

It will also support the development of new Bristol Cycling Centre in Lawrence Weston and a new park and ride for the M32.

In addition, feasibility studies will be drawn up to deliver reduced emissions from transport in the city centre, electrification of a large proportion of Bristol's bus fleet and investment in last-mile solutions, such as e-cargo bikes.

The funding is being provided by the government following a bid submitted in collaboration with the West of England Combined Authority.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: “As the first city in the UK to declare a climate emergency, I am delighted we are taking the lead in becoming a zero emission transport city.

“To build a sustainable transport network we need to fundamentally transform the ways we all move around the city and region. These proposals demonstrate our vision to help us achieve net zero by 2030. That we were invited to bid for this money by the Department for Transport is a real sign that our efforts to reduce emissions are recognised at a national level.

“We’re taking bold steps to reduce emissions and encourage a diverse transport mix including introducing a bus gate at Bristol Bridge, investing in cycling, expanding Park and Ride and agreeing a major bus deal with local operators. This money will provide the platform to move us onto the next phases of delivering sustainable and low carbon transport networks that benefit everyone.”