Friday 24 July 2015

UK cities shortlisted to share £20m green taxi fund

The UK has announced a shortlist of eight cities that are in line to share a £20 million fund to increase the number of plug-in taxis.

They will each receive a government-backed study into providing more environmentally-friendly travel opportunities in their areas.

The research will look into how local authorities could use the money to cut the upfront cost of purpose-built taxis and install charging infrastructure for taxi and private hire use.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “Plug-in taxis are cheaper to run, better for the environment and an example of Britain leading the way in an innovative industry.

“That is why government is investing £500 million in low emission vehicles over the next five years to make them an accessible and affordable choice for all."

The eight shortlisted cities include Cambridge, Coventry and Dundee. The winning schemes will be revealed in April next year.