Two UK cities are set to allow electric car drivers to use bus lanes to beat congestion, as part of the government’s plan to encourage an increase in environmentally friendly vehicles.
The idea, which originates from Norway, will be copied by Milton Keynes and Derby. Other incentives around the UK include; owners in Hackney will be able to plug in at street lights; York drivers will be able to charge at a solar-powered park and ride; electric car owners in Bristol and MK will be allowed to park for free.
Following the success of the model in Norway, which spurred an uptake in electric cars, the Department for Transport announced the schemes on Monday (25/01) as part of a £40m pot shared by eight towns and cities. London, Nottingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes are the main beneficiaries, but Dundee, Oxford, York and Derby were also given funding.
The Go Ultra Low Cities funding was awarded to the cities which have designed schemes that will help encourage significantly more people to switch to plug-in vehicles. The scheme aims give the UK a way of meeting its carbon budgets and cut level of nitrogen dioxide pollution in many British cities.
Patrick McLoughlin, the transport secretary, said: “We want to see thousands more greener vehicles on our roads and we’re am proud to back this ambition with £40m to help the UK become international pioneers of emission-cutting technology.”
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