Up to four cities with the best proposals stand to get a share of the Go Ultra Low City Scheme, which was announced last April and can be used by local authorities in a range of ways to support (ULEVs), such as installing charge-points for electric cars and introducing low emission zones.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: ‘This £35m funding is an unequivocal signal from government that we are committed to improving air quality and making ultra-low emission vehicles a practical and viable choice for more people.

‘I would like to encourage local authorities to take up this fantastic opportunity. This can help to transform people’s quality of life in their cities and build a stronger economy.’

Deadline for submitting outline bids is 20 February 2015.

Shortlisted cities will be invited to submit final bids by end of August and the winner will be announced in the autumn of 2015.