European cash to boost green transport plans

Dundee and Perth given share of £3m to encourage low carbon travel

Dundee and Perth have been awarded a share of £3.25 million of European funding to develop hubs that will encourage people to walk and cycle and use low carbon transport.

The European Regional Development Fund finance will support the development of five hubs, with others to be created in Falkirk, Aberdeen and Irvine.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf announced a £798,880 funding package for the Dundee Travel Hub project.

A further £784,187 package for Perth and Kinross Council will enable it to deliver its Broxden Low Carbon Transport Hub plan.

The Perth scheme will create an innovative low carbon transport hub at at the Broxden Park and Ride site, on the outskirts of the city.

It aims to broaden the range of refuelling facilities and transport modes available and to provide sustainable travel options.

The project involves the introduction of a hydrogen refuelling station and the expansion of existing electric vehicle charge points.

It will also introduce an ultra-rapid (150kW) electric vehicle (EV) charge point and upgrade the electricity substation for ultra-rapid charging.

A solar PV canopy integrated with a battery storage system to hold on-site generated energy will be developed to support the EV charging stations.

To encourage active travel in and around the city, the hub also will feature new secure bike storage facilities and a public information kiosk providing details of public transport options.

Environment, enterprise and infrastructure convener Councillor Colin Stewart said: “Perth and Kinross is developing a positive reputation as an area that embraces low carbon travel options, with a range of public car parks across the area featuring electric vehicle charging points.

“The Low Carbon Transport Hub at Broxden Park and Ride will help to significantly enhance what is on offer.

“It will make it easier for commuters to choose low carbon travel options and allow easy access to a range of active travel options whether visitors are travelling into the city, or looking for a base to explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle.”

Dundee council’s city development convener Lynne Short said she was “delighted” to see funding for Dundee.

“We are keen to see as many people as possible get on their bikes in Dundee and whether that is the traditional push bike or a more 21st Century electric version, soon there will be no excuse not to use a low carbon way of seeing and getting around the city.”