Tameside Council has been shortlisted for a major national honour in recognition of its ambitious work to cut carbon emissions from the borough’s transport network and promote sustainable, integrated travel.
The council has been named a finalist in the Decarbonisation category at the UK Transport Awards, highlighting the transformational work delivered across teams throughout 2025 to reduce transport‑related carbon and create a more sustainable system for residents.
The nomination reflects the scale and breadth of activity underway across the organisation. Key milestones this year include:
- Tameside’s first Micromobility Summit, the first event of its kind in Greater Manchester, bringing together partners to explore how hire schemes and micromobility options could be expanded across the borough.
- The launch of two new School Streets at Russell Scott and Livingston primary schools, with three more planned for 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.
- Successful delivery of the Rayner Lane Active Travel Scheme, part of a £10.3 million investment from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund to enhance walking and wheeling routes.
- Securing £5.8 million through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to deliver public realm improvements in Ashton and Stalybridge, supporting residents and businesses through high‑quality design, active travel and green infrastructure.
- Accessibility‑focused partnership work, including street audits with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to inform more inclusive design, engagement and consultation practices.
- Collaboration with the GMCA, United Utilities and Groundwork to develop a pipeline of three to five integrated water‑management schemes, bringing together active travel, road safety and placemaking.
Residents can expect further progress in the year ahead. Working with 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 public spaces to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier.
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 fallen year on year. Nitrogen dioxide contributes 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.