Live Labs 2 'decarbonising local roads' open to applications

28/07/2022 | DOMINIC BROWNE

The Government-funded £30m Live Labs 2 programme is now open to applications from local highways authorities and other sub-national transport groups with innovative ideas on 'decarbonising local roads'.

Sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT), in partnership with council directors' body ADEPT, Live Labs 2 is a UK-wide programme that will run until March 2026, with a subsequent five-year monitoring and evaluation period.

ADEPT said it developed Live Labs 2 to support the transition to net zero carbon local roads and was looking for applicants with 'ambitious, local highways authority-led partnerships to develop and implement zero carbon and climate change focused local roads plans'.

Successful proposals could outline decarbonisation plans for:

  • Operation and maintenance of existing local roads assets
  • Supporting fixed and moving assets which enable successful operations
  • Construction of new local roads assets (including for new housing/developments)
  • Enhancement, upgrade, adaptation and decommissioning of existing local roads assets

The programme's prospectus, published today, provides full details for applicants on the requirements and how to apply.

Stephen Fidler, co-director for local transport at Department for Transport (DfT) said: 'Much innovation in road decarbonisation has focused primarily on the tailpipe – through areas such as promoting modal shift, behavioural change, and technological advancement.

'But more focus needs to be dedicated to decarbonising the construction and maintenance of our roads. Therefore, this round of Live Labs is focused on stimulating the development of novel approaches to the net zero challenge, with a particular focus on the technically-challenging area of Scope 2 and 3 infrastructure carbon emissions.'

He added he was interested in proposals that 'explore innovations at scale, such as neighbouring authorities testing an innovation over a wider geographical area, or authorities with different geographies testing and comparing interventions in different circumstances and contexts'.

Successful applicants are also expected to help share the knowledge from the trials and take a leadership role in the sector promoting the innovations.

The programme builds on the popular ADEPT SMART Places Live Labs programme launched in 2019, which took a more open approach to the trial of innovations in local places. However, DfT officials have suggested they would like to see more of a business case focus this time around with a requirement to produce ex-post business cases.

Live Labs 2 is overseen by an independent Commissioning Board: ADEPT (chair), Colas, Construction LCA, County Surveyors’ Society Wales, Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland, DfT, EY, Innovate UK, Kent County Council, Kier, Leicestershire County Council, Open Data Institute, Ringway, SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS), Transport for London and WSP.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Engineer External Contracts

Grade 11 £39,865 - 43,270 per annum
You will lead a team of Clerks of Works Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW