Air quality

Mobility Credits

As a Council we are working with Transport for West Midlands on a 'mobility credits' trial. In a national first, Coventry residents with an older, polluting car could get the chance to exchange their vehicle for mobility credits. The credits could be spent on public transport, as well as new transport modes such as car clubs, bikeshare, or new bus services. Anyone taking part in the trial will be able to access their credits through a mobile app, which will allow them to plan, book and pay for journeys using mobility credits.

The trial is part of the West Midlands Future Transport Zone, a £22m programme which aims to investigate how new technologies can be used to support people moving around the West Midlands in a more sustainable way - reducing congestion, improving air quality and tackling climate change.

Getting involved

We're now looking for a small, trailblazing group of people to join us in this exciting venture, sharing their thoughts over the next two years. If you'd like to be the first to find out more about the trial why not register your interest?

When will the mobility credits trial launch?

The trial is likely to launch in late 2020.

Will I be eligible for the trial?

As part of the trial we are looking to take vehicles which produce the most Nitrogen Dioxide emissions off Coventry roads. This means diesel vehicles that are not Euro 6 compliant (most of these were manufactured before 2016), and petrol vehicles that are not Euro 4 compliant (most of these were manufactured before 2006). Full information about the eligibility will be available when the trial launches.

This scheme will also be limited to specific areas of Coventry. Air quality concerns in the city are specific to certain areas, and we want to improve air quality in those places first. We also want to make sure that participants in the scheme have access to the best possible transport options. We will announce which areas the trial will be launching in later in 2020.

How much could I get for scrapping my vehicle?

The exact amount is yet to be decided, but we'll make sure that participants in the trial have enough credits to cover their transport needs. Anticipated credit values are between £1500 - £3000.

Why are mobility credits being trialled?

Although air quality in Coventry has improved a lot in recent decades, it still exceeds the National Objective for Nitrogen Dioxide levels at several locations. Poor air quality has adverse effects on the health of people living and working in Coventry. Emissions from various forms of transport are a significant contributor to poor quality in Coventry, and a Local Air Quality Action Plan has been approved by the Council's Cabinet. The Plan sets out a range of measures being taken to improve air quality in Coventry, including road junction improvements, traffic management technology, electric taxi trial schemes, and engagement with communities to promote active and sustainable travel. Read more about what Coventry City Council is doing to tackle air quality in the city.

Changing from driving to using more sustainable transport, including walking and cycling, will also reduce carbon emissions from transport, helping tackle climate change. It can also reduce congestion on roads, providing a cost-effective and convenient way to get around.