If we are to achieve the UK’s Net Zero targets and move towards a greener, cleaner, healthier 21st century model of life, it is imperative that we continue to make steps towards decarbonising our transport network.

That’s why, having previously served as Minister of State at the Department for Transport with a responsibility for transport decarbonisation, I am delighted to learn that Norfolk has been awarded a further £11.5million from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme – which will support an additional 55 zero emission buses in our county.

These buses will be built by UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus, supporting hundreds of high-quality jobs in the UK, and this new funding will also mean that First Bus’ Norwich depot will become one of the first all-electric bus depots in the country outside of London.

There is still much more to do but this latest funding (in addition to the previous £3.3million awarded to Norfolk under the scheme to support 15 zero emissions buses) marks another key step on the road to decarbonising Norfolk’s bus network. Furthermore, it will help us reduce pollution and improve air quality in our local communities.

The Chancellor’s announcement of a further £355 million for zero emissions buses in the Autumn Statement was the latest signal of the Government’s commitment to Transport Decarbonisation (part of a £5billion package of investment during the current Parliament) and I look forward to seeing more progress in the coming months and years.

Rest assured, I will be doing my utmost to ensure Norfolk continues to get its fair share of any future funding – and to help everyday Mid Norfolk households and businesses get on to the ‘Road to Net Zero’ in a cost efficient and effective manner.

To learn more about my work on environmental issues, please visit my ‘Food, Farming and the Environment’ campaign page here.

To learn more about this new £11.5million into Norfolk, please visit the EDP article here.