December 2020 newsletter
Welcome to the December 2020 edition of the monthly Brum Breathes newsletter
Business owners: put your questions to the team
SMEs based in the West Midlands interested in applying for grants of up to £170,000 to help prepare for the Clean Air Zone can find out more at a free Business Clinic on Wednesday, 16 December at 9am. The online webinar will provide an overview of the Heavy Duty Vehicle Fund as well as exemption permits and other financial incentives before opening to questions. The meeting will be steered by you and is your chance to clarify any queries, dispel any myths or check any facts.
Hackney carriage drivers: are you interested in an electric taxi?
We have launched a short five-question survey aimed specifically at Hackney Carriage drivers to find out more about interest in our electric taxi leasing scheme. Help us to shape the plans that best meet your needs by completing this quick multiple-choice questionnaire.
Take part in our online survey
National Express: three steps towards a cleaner, greener fleet
Ahead of the Clean Air Zone going live on 1 June 2021, find out how one of the country’s biggest bus operators has prepared with three simple steps: upgrading to compliant vehicles, retrofitting existing vehicles and introducing electric vehicles. Watch the journey National Express has taken with our short video.
Find out more about National Express's journey
What is the air quality like by you?
Ever wondered what the air pollution levels are like in your community? You can now find out. Sustrans, the national walking and cycling charity, will be organising free (and socially distanced) air quality walks in the New Year and is interested in hearing suggestions for routes across Birmingham.
Register an interest and send location suggestions
Share your travel experiences for the chance to win a bike!
Sustrans wants to find out more about how people travel to and from community, voluntary and faith groups in Birmingham as well as how much you know about air pollution. This will be used to encourage more opportunities for active travel across Birmingham in the future. Spend a few minutes now to share your views by completing this quick multiple-choice survey. Every person that completes a survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a bike up to a value of £400.
Have your say (community groups)
Missed the latest webinar? Watch again
At the start of November, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce teamed up with the Birmingham Clean Air Zone to host a joint webinar answering questions from the business community about the Clean Air Zone. If you missed it, or want to watch it again, you can do so now.
Birmingham organisations recognised for active and sustainable travel efforts
Birmingham City Council and its stakeholder partners have received national recognition at the 2020 Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s Sustainability Team were named winners of the Contribution to Sustainable Travel by an Organisation category whilst the council and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce received special recognition for their joint work on the Clean Air Zone stakeholder engagement programme.>
Your chance to win an e-bike and other prizes!
Love to Ride West Midlands is offering prizes every day throughout December with the chance to win an e-bike on Christmas Day! All you have to do is sign up, log at least a 10 minute bike ride and you will be entered in the drawer to win!