Local authorities across England have been granted more than £2.2m in Government funding to deliver innovative projects to improve air quality.

The money, from the Government’s Air Quality Grant, supports schemes which help councils develop measures aimed at reducing the impact of pollution on people’s health.

Proposals receiving funding include projects and campaigns to reduce harmful emissions outside schools and encourage the take up of electric taxis.

The funding will also go to schemes designed to encourage more active transport through education and the creation and improvement of cycling and pedestrian routes.

It will also support the collection of further data on the exposure to air pollution by vulnerable groups in order to better design future policies.

‘While air pollution has reduced significantly in recent decades, we know the impact that it continues to have on communities in the UK,’ said environment minister Rebecca Pow.

‘That is why the Government is committed to not only improving air quality on a national level, but also helping local authorities take action in their own areas.

‘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.’

The £2,273,367 awarded in this round of funding means that more than £64m has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since it was launched in 1997.