Tameside Council shortlisted for national decarbonisation award

In recognition of its ambitious work to cut carbon from the borough’s transport network and promote sustainable, integrated transport, Tameside Council has been shortlisted for a major national award.

The nomination in the Decarbonisation category at the UK Transport Awards shines a spotlight on the transformational work delivered across teams throughout 2025 to reduce transport‑related carbon and make the local transport system more sustainable for residents.

This nomination highlights the scale of work taking place across the organisation. Milestones this year have included:

• Tameside’s First Micromobility Summit which was the first of its kind in Greater Manchester, bringing together partners to explore how hire schemes and micromobility options can be expanded across the borough.
• The launch of two new School Streets at Russell Scott and Livingston Primary Schools. Three more are planned in 2026 to support safer, healthier, low‑carbon travel for young people.
• Partnership working with Oldham Council to explore opportunities for a flagship Park Bridge Viaduct Walking and Wheeling Link, now included in Greater Manchester’s Draft Local Transport Plan, Greater Manchester 2050.
• The Rayner Lane Active Travel Scheme was successfully deliver, as part of a £10.3 million investment from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund to enhance walking and wheeling routes.
• Tameside Council secured £5.8mn through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to deliver a programme of public realm improvements in Ashton and Stalybridge. These schemes will support our residents and businesses, bringing together high‑quality design, active travel, and green infrastructure.
• Accessibility‑focused partnership work, including street audits with the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) to inform more inclusive design, engagement and consultation practices.
• Collaborative working with the GMCA, United Utilities and Groundwork to develop a pipeline of 3–5 integrated water management, bringing together active travel, road safety and placemaking.

Residents can expect further progress in the year ahead. Working with partners at Transport for Greater Manchester, 2026 will see Tameside join Bee Network Rail; the introduction of more zero‑emission buses; continued expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and town centre improvements to roads and spaces making it easier to walk, wheel and cycle.

Cleaner transport also brings significant health benefits. Since the introduction of the Bee Network, the number of sites recording illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide has reduced year on year. Nitrogen dioxide is known to contribute to respiratory problems, particularly for children, older people and those with asthma.

Cllr Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, said:

“We are proud that our work to decarbonise transport in Tameside has been recognised on a national stage. This nomination reflects the efforts of teams right across the council and our partners, all working towards a cleaner, greener and fairer transport network for our residents. We know how important it is to cut carbon, improve local air quality and create a transport system that is affordable, reliable and sustainable. This shortlist shows that Tameside is leading the way and we are excited to build on this progress in the years ahead.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 27 March in London.