The Council’s innovation in ‘future mobility’ has been selected as a finalist for the Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation initiative at the 2023 Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards.
The award submission focused on the Council’s role in the development of autonomous vehicle trials and the potential to be incorporated into future transport infrastructure. In 2021 Solihull Council became the first local authority in the UK to purchase its own fully electric autonomous shuttle, using a grant from the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP).
Since then, a series of successful passenger trials in Solihull have taken place, providing real world data to better understand how the technology might be safely used in the future.
Solihull Council are playing a key role in demonstrating how CAV technology may, one day, provide a new zero emission, safe and efficient mode of public transport.
APSE, who will reveal the winners later this year, are dedicated to promoting excellence in the delivery of services to communities around the UK. Working on a not-for-profit basis, APSE has a member network of over 300 local authorities who share expertise and innovative solutions to help develop strong and sustainable public services.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change & Planning, said:
“It’s fantastic to see Solihull Council nominated for yet another climate change award. It’s testament to how important tackling the issue and reaching net zero emissions is amongst our priorities.
“Being at the forefront of sustainable and future mobility innovation has the potential to generate a wealth of benefits for Solihull and the wider region. Credit must go to all those involved in the ground-breaking autonomous vehicle passenger trials. I look forward to seeing who the winner will be in a few months’ time.”
More information about the 2023 APSE Awards can be found here.
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