The Transport Innovation Fund (TiF) designed to introduce congestion charging in cities across the UK has been quietly dropped and replaced by a new Urban Challenge Fund.

Announced at a urban transport summit in London earlier this week, Transport Minister, Sadiq Khan said the planned new fund was designed to support a packages of measures that deliver a wide range of transport improvements.

Under the proposals, cities would only be eligible to receive money from the fund if they can show their transport plans will: improve journey choice, tackle congestion, improve safety, lower carbon emissions or promote healthier lifestyles through better air quality and more walking and cycling.

Sadiq Khan said: “The Urban Challenge Fund is designed to support cities that want to deliver economic, health and environmental improvements at the same time, and are prepared to take the bold decisions needed to make that happen.  This new fund will help to create a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future for generations to come.”

The new fund will replace the Congestion Transport Innovation Fund which was established to support towns and cities in tackling congestion through local road pricing schemes, as planned in cities such as Manchester, Cambridge and York. 

However the new Urban Challenge Fund will not necessarily require congestion charging to enable cities to access grants. Instead any transport plans that can prove that they will not only tackle congestion but offer greater choice for transport users, improve safety, reduce air pollutants and carbon emissions and improve the living environment, may be able to access funding. 

As a result, plans to introduce congestion charging in Cambridge have been placed on hold.

Commenting on the announcement of the new fund, transport charity, the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) said that without new money on offer cities will struggle to deliver any real improvements to transport.

CBT Director Stephen Joseph said: "The new emphasis on improving health and public spaces sounds great, but the proposed Urban Challenge Fund has no numbers or timescale attached. The truth is we expect transport funding cuts, not expansion.

"Whether the Fund becomes a reality after the election will be the key test. Without real new money to improve urban transport, councils won’t be able to make any of this a reality. Cities will continue to be oppressed by traffic congestion and pollution.

"City transport needs less talk and more cash. Sadly, today is just about talk, even if its good talk," he said.  

The cost of purchasing low carbon vans is the main barrier to uptake among commercial vehicle buyers, a survey from the Department of Transport (DfT) has revealed.

The Government department sent out questionnaires in the summer of 2009 to owners of ‘low carbon vans’ and owners of ‘non low carbon vans’, although the details are rather vague, the survey did reveal some interesting results.

Firstly it appears that a lack of awareness of greener alternatives was not a problem, with 65 per cent of those non low carbon vans revealing that they are aware of greener options.

The main reason for not purchasing a low carbon van was reported as being ‘purchase costs’ with 68 per cent of respondents naming this as the main deterrent. When asked about what would most incentivise them to make the switch to a low carbon vehicle options reducing purchase costs came top followed by reduced operating costs while others said reassurances over the performance of such vehicles, e.g. improved carrying capacity, improved reliability including battery life of low carbon options such as electric vehicles would most encourage them to make the switch.

Finally the survey reported no difference in the weekly distance travelled by those operating low carbon vans compared to all vans.

The Tanfield Group PLC has received a provisional offer on its electric vehicle division, Smith Electric Vehicles.

The offer is worth £37 million, equivalent to 50 pence per existing share plus a £33.3 million contingent credit fund prior to September 2015.

The non-binding, conditional offer comes from Smith Electric Vehicles US (SERVUS) which wishes to buy up its UK counterpart.

Tanfield’s board has granted SEVUS a four month period of exclusivity for the clarification and negotiation of this offer. The board is examining tax efficient methods that would return as much of the cash/value to shareholders as possible.

Smith Electric Vehicles is known for supplying electric vans and trucks for urban fleet operations to customers across the UK and Europe, including Sainsbury’s, TNT, DHL, TK Maxx and Scottish & Southern Energy.

The firm expects to issue its results for the year ended 31^st December 2009 during the month of April. The UK company made a loss of £11m to the half year ended 30^th June 2009, with it indicated that no improvement in trading conditions was made in the second half of 2009.  The company expects to report net cash at 31 December 2009 of around £5 million.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

A new national car buying survey has been launched on behalf of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (www.lowcvp.org.uk) to identify what information consumers find most useful when buying a new or nearly new car.

Conducted by environmental transport consultancy firm, Ecolane, the new survey aims to attract 1,000 car buyers to complete the survey by the end of March.  The results of the survey will be used to inform and influence UK Government and EU policy.

To take part in the survey you need to either have purchased a new/nearly-new car (up to 2 years old) within the last 12 months, or be a car owner who is intending to buy a new/nearly-new car (up to 2 years old) during the next 12 months.

The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete during which time you will be asked questions about your recent or next car purchase.

Best of all, on completion, you will be entered into a draw for the top prize of a £250 Amazon gift voucher. Three runners up will also each receive a £50 Amazon gift voucher.

The survey can be accessed here: http://live.carbuyersurvey.co.uk

New car emissions fell by their biggest margin yet last year, the latest report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals.

Helped by the recession and the scrappage scheme, new car sold in the UK in 2009 emitted just 149.5g/km of CO₂, down 5.4 per cent on the 2008 figure and 21.2 per cent better than the 1997 base level. The rate of reduction was the best on record, three times the average rate achieved since data was first measured in 1997.

Technological advancements made by the carmakers helped to reduce the emissions of new cars while a tax incentives, a suppressed economy and the scrappage incentives helped boost the sales of these new breed of greener cars.

Reductions in average emissions were made across all model segments with MPVs (-28.6 per cent) and 4×4s (-27.4 per cent) making the biggest improvement against their 1997 base levels. Minis and specialist sports cars made the biggest reduction over the past year falling 6.7 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively on 2008 figures.

2009 saw the 12^th successive annual drop in average new car CO₂ emissions as the scrappage scheme steered motorists towards selecting more fuel-efficient models. The average car bought under the scheme emitted just 133.3g/km, 26.8 per cent less CO₂ than the average scrapped car.

In total, 27.6 per cent of the cars registered in the UK in 2009 emitted less than 130g/km, the target set in the European CO₂ regulation for 2015. In addition, showing the influence of the CO₂-based road tax system, Band E (131-140g/km) proved the most popular with new car buyers, compared to Band H (166-175g/km) in 1997.

Commenting on the report Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive said: “Vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in both improving conventional technologies and bringing advanced systems to market that reduce the environmental impact of new vehicles. Whilst scrappage incentives made a positive contribution to fleet renewal in 2009, there is a risk that over the next few years, motorists may be deterred from investing in the latest technology. Developing a long-term and consistent approach to vehicle taxation and environmental incentives will be important in maintaining the current rate of improvement.”

The adoption of the new car CO₂ regulation in December 2009 set a phase-in target for vehicle manufacturers to ensure their average fleet emissions do not exceed 130g/km by 2015.

The full New Car CO₂ Report 2010, published by SMMT, can be accessed on www.smmt.co.uk

It is not just Peugeot that is taking the eco-driving challenge this morning, the Government has launched a new proposal that could see lorry drivers take eco-driving training as part of their qualification for a LGV licence.

The new plans to encourage lorry drivers to take up eco-driver training could save up to 3 million tonnes of CO2 over five years and £300 million in fuel costs, according to Transport Minister Paul Clark.

The plans – which include making eco driver training for LGV drivers a mandatory part of the EU Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) – aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight sector. The proposals could enable around 90 per cent of lorry drivers to receive eco-driver training while promotion of the benefits of eco-driving training would help encourage greater take up of the training among employers.

Paul Clark said: “We are absolutely committed to reducing emissions from across the transport sector. Given that 20 per cent of all transport emissions come from road freight, these drivers must be a priority.

“With initiatives like this I am confident we will succeed in creating a greener and cleaner industry fit to meet the environmental challenges we face.”

A consultation into the proposed plans opens today and runs for around 16 weeks. It can be accessed from the Department for Transport (DfT) website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-11/

The measures support a commitment by the DfT to save an additional 85 million tonnes of CO2 from domestic transport from 2018-2022.

The consultation also considers the possibility of making the eco-driving training a mandatory part of bus drivers CPC.

Emissions from freight movements stem primarily from the road sector, with Large Goods vehicles (LGVs) representing 20 per cent of total domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions. 

Durham became the host of an electric car seminar this week as AA president Edmund King was joined by representatives from the council and regional regeneration agency One North East.

Speaking at the event, the AA president told local councillors that electric vehicles will have to overcome some significant issues if they are to be widely accepted.

The seminar called ‘Electric Vehicles- Not just milk floats!’ was set up to explore the effects the development and introduction of electric vehicles will have on County Durham.

In his speech, King said that local authorities will prove essential to help progress by encouraging pioneers and early adopters, incentivising electric vehicle use by offering free parking for example, installing charge points and by considering how electric vehicles use can be incorporated in new building projects.

According to King,  plug-in hybrids and range extended vehicles are likely to help fill the gaps between petrol, diesel and a market shift to full electric vehicles. However electric vehicles have to overcome an image problem as in many people’s minds electric vehicles are seen as low speed and low power vehicle with limited range. As many people’s first encounter with an electric vehicle was milk float or a basic quadricycle; consumers will need to be convinced of the viability of electric modes of transport he explained.

The North East was named recently as an Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) by the Government and won one of the first Plugged-in Places Grants to pay for the installation of 1,300 electric vehicle charging points.

Commenting, Edmund King said: “We need to make that giant leap from the milk float to the real electric car. We need pioneers to help turn these electric dreams into an electric reality.

“We are delighted that Plugged-in Places funding is going to the North East to help with the charging infrastructure. We need early adopters to lead the charge towards a low carbon vehicle future and so I will be encouraging Durham Country Councillors to get on board with us.”

As part of the event four electric smart cars were available for council members to sample .The vehicles are now planned to be used over a three week period by the County Council and its partners as part of a research and development project being monitored by Newcastle University.  

Councillor Neil Foster, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:  “County Durham has the perfect opportunity to recognise the potential economic and environmental opportunities that present themselves by embracing this new technology and supporting the region in becoming a leader in this new technology.” 

Good news green car fans! TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk has become the media partner for the Green Machines Expo, part of the forthcoming UK Aware event.

This partnership means that TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk team will be there at the event, ready to talk all things green cars. But even better, our affiliation with the event means that YOU, our readers can buy discounted tickets for the event which take place on April 16 and 17, 2010 at the London Olympia.

The expo is set to be the UK’s largest display of low carbon cars. As part of the UK Aware show, its not just green cars on display; the show covers all aspects of green and ethical living and is expected to attract over 15,000 people. It will bring together 200 exhibitors, 100 low carbon vehicles and over 50 world class guest speakers.

This could be your only chance in the UK this year to see a full display of low carbon transport solutions and innovative prototypes, thanks to the cancellation of the 2010 British International Motor Show. Exhibitors will be showcasing thousands of products and services ranging from cars to computers, from fashion to food and from travel to advice services.

All attractions at UK AWARE 2010 are included with entry ticket purchase and will include entry into the very special ‘Green Machines Expo’ with 50 greener vehicles on display from over 30 manufacturers.

Now in its third year, UK Aware attractions include; ‘The Green Business Start-up Surgery’ – an oasis of solutions for budding green entrepreneurs, a clothes swapping party-where  anyone to get a completely new to you wardrobe without damaging the environment or spending a penny, a kids area- with shows and interactive activities designed to inspire young minds and ‘Morsbags’- an oasis of creative surprises and haberdashery delights.

Profits from ticket sales for UK AWARE 2010 will be donated to charity although the exact charity has yet to be confirmed. Tickets for the event are priced at £15 on the door (cash only) and advanced tickets are available from the UK Aware website priced at £10 plus a small booking fee. But purchase them through TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk and you get entry into UK Aware and the Green Machines Expo for just £6 each!

Faye Sunderland and Richard Lawton from TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk will be there on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th April, so feel free to come and chat to us as we will be on hand to talk about all things low carbon-from electric cars to hybrids, range-extended to biofuel, solar to hydrogen.

To purchase tickets follow the link here. For more information, visit the UK Aware website. A full list of exhibitors will be confirmed nearer the time.

The issue over the truth behind global warming, climate change and the impact of greenhouse gases just won’t subside in America where US House Members have issued a joint resolution to nullify the Environmental Protection Agency’s finding in December 2009 that greenhouse gases are a threat to human health and could be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo), Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn) and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo) introduced the joint resolution after US Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) earlier introduced an identical resolution in the US Senate.

Under the terms of the Congressional Review Act of 1996, Congress now has 60 legislative days to review a major rule under expedited legislative procedures and consider a resolution. Should the disapproval resolution be enacted the rule may not take effect and the agency is not allowed to issue a similar rule without statutory authorisation.

According to Congressman Skelton, when Congress passed the Clean Air Act it never gave the EPA the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions for the purpose of stopping climate change – but, he says, that is exactly what it is proposing to do. Congressman Skelton outlined that the resolution of disapproval will not stop Congress working on energy legislation but stated that he hopes it will opt for a more scaled back bipartisan bill rather than cap and trade.

Under the terms of President Obama’s national fuel policy, the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had been developing a harmonised national policy with the intent of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions that would cover model years 2012-2016 and require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5mpg in 2016.

We’d love to hear your comments on the objections to the EPA’s ruling. Do you agree with the logic or are these politicians showing a lack of foresight? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

As the UK Government announces plans to introduce £5,000 grants towards the purchase of an ultra-low carbon cars, new research reveals that the public are ‘geared up to go green’ according to an automotive PR firm.

The survey conducted by market research firm, fast.MAP on behalf of the self-explanatorily named, Automotive PR discovered that 60 per cent of motorists are ready to make the conversion to an electric or hybrid car.

Despite recent press reports to the contrary, the research, which polled the opinion of more than 1,000 UK motorists, also showed that 54 per cent are either ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about global warming, whilst just nine per cent do not believe global warming is happening.

The government’s £230m consumer incentive programme will provide grants up £5,000 towards the purchase of an electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell car, and will be offered from January 2011 on vehicles that meet certain safety and performance criteria. As a result, the new survey showed that 62 per cent of motorists can see themselves owning or driving an electric or hybrid car in the future.

When it came to ‘going green’ more generally, 82 per cent of the motorists surveyed said they make the most environmentally-friendly choice, if not always, then at least some of the time.