The money is shared between 16 allocations and comes from the Air Quality Grant, which is part of the UK’s wider plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations.

“It’s important that we improve air quality in communities across the country, and these grants will help local authorities create cleaner, healthier places to live,” said Transport Minister Rachel Maclean.

“From greener buses to improved cycling routes, we’re determined to harness innovation to make low carbon travel the norm.”

Among the big winners from the funding allocation is the Westminster Cross River Partnership – comprising 12 London boroughs and four business improvement districts – which received £574,370 to expand two ‘clean air village’ schemes. The schemes involve engagement and behavioural change activity to reduce emissions from the delivery of goods and services.

Transport for West Midlands received £340,000 to retrofit at least 20 buses to the Euro VI emissions standard, while Oxford City Council will trial a mobile automatic number plate recognition system for the most polluting vehicles using £150,000 of investment.

Canterbury City Council has been allocated £156,377 for an anti-idling campaign along a school route and the installation of fast electric charging points. Sheffield City Council and Wokingham Borough Council will each deliver active travel behaviour and awareness campaigns for schools using their respective £144,430 and £150,101 grants.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “The projects supported by this latest round of funding demonstrate how local authorities can deliver innovative solutions for their communities, and we’ll be working with them closely to offer ongoing support.”

(Photograph: Lana Elcova - Shutterstock)