A new Challenge Fund that could see more ultra-low emission vehicles on Scottish roads is open to bidders.

Organisations in Scotland are being invited to apply for a share of the £8m Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund.

Public, community and third sector organisations in Scotland are being invited to apply for a share of the £8m Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund to facilitate the delivery of active travel and low carbon transport hubs.

The funding was awarded to Transport Scotland under the European Regional Development Fund Programme to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, improve air quality through encouraging an increase in walking and cycling and uptake of low emission vehicles.

The hubs could include a mix of bike hire, travel information, electric vehicle charging points and hydrogen refuelling stations.

Organisations will be able to bid for up to 40/50% of the total project cost with the remainder of project costs provided through match funding.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and The Islands, said: “I welcome this European Funding and I’m pleased to announce the ERDF Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Funding is now available. It is a fantastic boost for organisations delivering active travel and low carbon transport hubs as it will enable communities throughout Scotland to benefit from more sustainable, greener travel options.”

Transport Scotland appointed contractor Energy Savings Trust to deliver the Challenge Fund earlier this year.

To apply to the Challenge Fund contact the Energy Savings Trust. The deadline for applications is 28th February 2017.