Twelve British cities have been shortlisted to become international examples of ultra-low emission vehicle use.
The dozen cities are battling it out for a share of the £35 million Go Ultra Low city scheme fund, which will reward cities that demonstrate the most potential to become globally outstanding examples of adopting ultra-low emission vehicles.
An extra £30 million has been set aside to help local authorities and bus operators replace existing vehicles with greener alternatives.
The shortlisted cities are now in the process of developing proposals and the winners will be announced in the autumn.
The funding is an “unequivocal signal” that the government is “committed to making ultra-low emission vehicles a practical and viable choice for more people”, said Transport Minister Baroness Kramer.
“Today’s shortlist of 12 Go Ultra Low cities from across the country is an important part of our effort to improve air quality and establish the UK as a global leader in the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles,” she added.
The 12 cities shortlisted are:
Greater London Authority
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
North East Combined Authority
City of York Council
West of England
Dundee City Council
Sheffield City Council
Milton Keynes Council
Department for Regional Development of Northern Ireland
Oxford City Council
Nottingham City Council
Leicester City Council