A third round of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and SNP Government Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund is now open and available for applications.
Public, community and third sector organisations can apply for £13.25 million of available ERDF and SNP Government support to help deliver innovative active travel and low carbon transport hubs, delivered through the Energy Saving Trust.
£8.4 million has been provided through ERDF and this investment will continue to help people and communities throughout Scotland to benefit from further sustainable and greener travel options and further strengthen Scotland’s contribution to global efforts to prevent damaging climate change.
While match funding is required, applications can cover 70% or 80% 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 MSP 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 is available, thanks to European Regional Development and SNP 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. Work will 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% 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.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Once again, communities all over Scotland will reap the benefits of being in the EU thanks to ERDF funding for low carbon and active travel initiatives by communities, for communities.
“For example, we’ve seen the recently launched Irvine travel hub.
“Such projects can provide local communities with greater and easier access to active travel and low carbon transport hubs and paths, supporting the SNP Government’s objectives of reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and encouraging improved health outcomes through boosting the use of active travel.
“I encourage interested parties to obtain more information via the links below.”
More information and and application guidance can be found through the Energy Saving Trust website:
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/businesses-organisations/transport/low-carbon-travel-and-transport-challenge-fund .
Transport Scotland is lead partner for the European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport Programme:
ENDS
