BUSINESSES are being encouraged to apply for a slice of a regional grant of almost £25 million to get people out of their cars and onto greener travel options.

St Helens Council hopes companies will grab the chance to obtain funding from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund to help new fund electric bikes, create electric vehicle facilities and the promotion shared transport methods that meet low carbon travel targets.

Cllr Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing, Planning and Community Safety, said: “The funding recognises that businesses and organisations often have transport related issues for staff getting to and from work, and issues relating to the vehicle fleets.

“But instead of telling companies what measures they need to take, the funding seeks to provide support through the provision of a grant for them to help address concerns themselves.”

Those applying for grants will need to show their proposed schemes will give a boost in economic terms – and bring about lower carbon transport which would need to be monitored.

Funding runs until the end of March 2015, with proposals expected to be completed by this date.

Applicants must be a business, housing developer, public organisation or third sector body (voluntary organisation or community group) based in St Helens. They will need to show commitment to providing sustainable transport measures.

The grant can be used for schemes including cycle parking, pool bikes or cars, electric vehicle charging points, economy driving tuition and minibus travel.

More details from 01744 676512 or email sustainabletransport@sthelens.gov.uk