News, publicity and information
Media enquiries
For any media enquiry or interview requests please contact our press office using this email address: Press.Communications@bradford.gov.uk
Plug In Bradford District event to showcase electric vehicle options to residents and businesses
Press Release, 16 July 2026
Residents and businesses in the Bradford District will be able to find out more about electric vehicles (EV) and sustainable transport options as we launch the Plug In Bradford District campaign.
The Plug In Bradford District campaign incorporates all elements of electric vehicles from ownership options and charging, through to grants and alternative travel choices. Information is tailored to the needs of businesses and residents to help guide them through the options available taking on board their own priorities.
Plug In Bradford District is hosting a free electric vehicle event in collaboration with Let’s Experience Electric in Centenary Square, Bradford on Friday 18 September, from 9.45am to 4pm. The event is designed to allow residents and businesses to explore some of the benefits of EV adoption as well as other sustainable transport solutions.
Read the press release
Students reimagine Bradford's future Southern Gateway in STEM Challenge
Press Release, 15 July 2026
Year-9 pupils from across Bradford have had the opportunity to share their visions of the city in the future as part of the Bradford Futures Challenge, a STEM centred initiative which has been created by the Bradford Council Building Supply Chain Group, a partnership including industry partners of Balfour Beatty, Amey, AECOM and Robertson.
Read the press release
Bradford’s parks triumph again at 2026 Green Flag Awards
Press Release, 14 July 2026
Bradford Council’s parks have struck gold again at this year’s Green Flag Awards with six of its parks.
Six of the District’s parks have received a Green Flag Award: Central Park in Haworth; Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley; Harold Park in Low Moor; Lister Park in Frizinghall; Peel Park in Bolton and Undercliffe and Roberts Park in Saltaire.
Cliffe Castle Park also received a Green Heritage Site accreditation.
Read the press release
Bradford Schools Join Together for Clean Air Day at City Hall
Press Release, 18 June 2026
Bradford Council hosted children from thirteen Bradford schools to celebrate Clean Air Day and learn about air quality, the environment and how air pollution affects our health.
At the event in City Hall, children had the opportunity to get hands-on with evidence-based activities aimed at promoting scientific communication around health and the environment.
A highlight was the Air Bandits game hosted by the City St Georges, University of London that included Ollie the Ozone Ogre, Noxious Nigel, and Penny the Menace who are the mischievous villains hiding in Bradford’s air.
Read the press release
Report highlights Bradford’s biodiversity successes and goals
Press Release, 17 June 2026
A detailed report by Bradford Council sets out how it hopes to improve biodiversity, conserve and restore habitats and celebrates recent successes in a detailed report.
The Enhanced Biodiversity Report looks at the current ‘state of nature’ in the district, which is two thirds rural, with 17 per cent of it designated as protected sites. The report identifies priority habitats, such as moorland, woodland and wetlands covering 19 per cent of the district and notes that tree canopy cover is 9.14 per cent which is below the national target of 16.5 per cent.
Read the press release
Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve first anniversary
Press Release, 9 June 2026
It has been a year since the launch of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve (NNR).
The last 12 months have seen a hive of activity and thousands of visitors to the 1,274-hectare reserve which links eight sites within Bradford and the South Pennines area, taking in Ilkley Moor, Shipley Glen, Baildon Moor, Harden Moor, Penistone Hill Country Park, Trench Meadows, St Ives Estate and Bingley North Bog.
The NNR was launched in May 2025 through a partnership between Bradford Council and Natural England. All sites are owned and managed by the Council with support from Natural England and partner organisations.
Read the press release
Bradford District communities come together for Bike Week 2026
Press Release, 5 June 2026
Communities across the Bradford District are coming together this June to celebrate Bike Week 2026 (8–14 June), the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling, with a packed programme of inclusive, family-friendly activities will take place throughout the week, helping to boost physical activity and support mental wellbeing.
Bike Week, led by Cycling UK, highlights how cycling can help people lead happier, healthier lives. This year, Bradford is embracing that message more than ever. From free family events and beginner sessions to wellbeing rides and community-led initiatives, there are opportunities for everyone, whether you are new to cycling, returning after time away, or already cycling regularly.
Read the press release
Keighley’s Cat Steps improvements completed
Press Release, 15 May 2026
Bradford Council’s Countryside and Rights of Way Team has been working in partnership with Keighley Town Council to complete a series of improvements to a Keighley public right of way known locally as the Cat Steps.
Bradford Council’s Countryside and Rights of Way Team began the project with extensive vegetation clearance, cutting back overgrown trees and shrubs to increase natural light, visibility and safety along the route.
More than 15 volunteers then joined forces to clear litter, remove dead hedging and scrape mud from the steps, making the path easier and safer to use.
Read the press release
Bradford’s Buses will transform to zero emission fleet 18 months earlier than planned
Press Release, 18 March 2026
Bradford’s transition to a zero‑emission, fully electric bus fleet will now be delivered 18 months earlier than originally planned, thanks to a successful case made by the Leader of Bradford Council which has secured £8 million of Government investment to accelerate the move away from diesel.
This £8m investment from the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Department for Transport will be matched by a further £6.2 million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), bringing total investment in Bradford’s electric bus transformation to £14.2 million.
The accelerated deployment of Zero Emission Buses in Bradford will begin in advance of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) bus franchising launch following the Government’s publication of evidence showing that retrofitted Euro VI diesel buses were not delivering the expected reduction in emissions.
Read the press release
A strong Start for the LNER Bradford Beryl Bikes Scheme
Press Release, 17 March 2026
Bradford’s new LNER Bradford Beryl Bikes scheme has seen a highly successful first week following its launch on Tuesday 10 March, with hundreds of residents embracing the new sustainable travel option across the district. Early data covering the period from launch through to Monday morning shows strong uptake and community enthusiasm, demonstrating the appetite for cleaner, healthier, and more accessible transport choices in the city.
Since the scheme launched, riders have completed 684 journeys, travelling a combined total of 1,823 kilometres across the Bradford district. A total of 450 people have registered to use the bikes, highlighting the immediate interest and engagement from residents. If you haven’t had chance to ride yet it is easier than ever to try out the LNER Bradford Beryl Bikes, download the Beryl app and enjoy a free 20‑minute ride by entering code LNER20.
Read the press release
First installations of cross-pavement chargers set to transform EV access for residents
Press Release, 12 March 2026
Following Executive approval of a limited trial of measures to support private EV charging in August 2025, Bradford Council is pleased to announce the installation of the first cross‑pavement electric vehicle (EV) charging channels, enabling residents without private off‑street parking to safely use domestic electricity to charge their electric vehicles at home.
This trial scheme uses the “Kerbo Charge” charging channel and is initially being rolled out to properties with an existing reserved parking bay, such as a disabled persons’ parking place. Subject to positive feedback on the trial the Council plans to expand the programme further to support the transition to cleaner transport, provide affordable at‑home charging options, and help improve air quality across the district.
Read the press release
LNER Bradford Beryl E-Bike Share Scheme is now live
Press Release, 10 March 2026
Councillor Sarah Ferriby joined Beryl CEO, Phil Ellis, LNER’s Commercial Director, David Flesher along with other active travel advocates at Centenary Square today to officially launch the LNER Bradford Beryl E‑Bikes, marking a major step in Bradford Council’s commitment to sustainable mobility and cleaner air.
Today’s launch introduces 200 of Beryl’s next-generation BBE2 e-bikes and 50 docking stations across the district, encouraging a shift away from short private‑car journeys, improving air quality and health, and supporting active travel projects throughout the district.
Read the press release
On track to launch E-Bike Share Scheme in March 2026
Press Release, 19 December 2025
Bradford Council is pleased to announce that we are moving forward with our e-bike Share scheme by awarding the contract to Beryl, the UK’s largest shared sustainable transport provider. We are proud to confirm that the scheme is on track to launch in March 2026, marking a major milestone in our commitment to sustainable mobility and cleaner air.
Read the e-bike hire press release.
Bradford pupils showcase net zero vision in Dragon’s Den-style challenge at University of Bradford
Press Release, 12 December 2025
Bradford school pupils have put their creative and scientific talents to the test in a Dragon’s Den-style competition at the University of Bradford, pitching their ideas for how a fictional “Net Zero Island” could operate with no carbon emissions.
Read the Dragon's den challenge press release.
Bradford Schools Unite for Climate Action at Council led Sustainability Event
Press Release, 6 November 2025
Today, representatives from over 50 schools across the Bradford district took part in a Climate Action Event hosted by Bradford Council, designed to support the development and refinement of school Climate Action Plans in line with the Department for Education’s (DfE) Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
Read the press release here about the event
More electric vehicle charge points in the Bradford district
Press Release, 13 October 2025
More electric vehicle charging points are to be installed across the Bradford district thanks to investments from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and private company Blink Charging who has been selected to deliver the first phase of the region’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme.
Read the press release here about the EV charging plans
Bradford Manufacturing Futures champions young Sustainability Leaders
Press Release, 26 September 2025
The Sustainability Leaders of the Future (SLF) initiative will be launched at Bradford Manufacturing Weeks next month to help shape the future of Bradford’s industrial sector and open the door of opportunity for our district’s young people. Olivia Watson, Apprentice ESG Coordinator at Keighley-based Teconnex, will lead the SLF team in hosting their inaugural event during October’s Bradford Manufacturing Weeks.
Read the press release here from BMF
Bradford Schools join together for Clean Air Day at City Hall
Press Release, 19 June 2025
Today, Bradford Council hosted children from thirteen Bradford schools to celebrate Clean Air Day and learn about air quality, the environment and how air pollution affects our health.
Read the press release here about Clean Air Day.
Have your say, take part in our consultation on the Draft Climate Action Plan
Press Release, 20 May 2025
Bradford Council Sustainability Service has prepared a draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2025-28 which, after approval from the Executive Committee, is now open for public consultation and will run for 12 weeks until 12 August 2025.
Read the press release here about the Climate Action Plan consultation.
Bradford City Hall looks to a clean energy future
Press Release, 20 May 2025
Bradford Council has agreed a deal with 1Energy, the UK's leading low-carbon city heat network developer, to connect its landmark City Hall building to the company’s low-carbon district heat network in Bradford. City Hall will join a growing cluster of buildings linked to the Bradford Energy Network that will enable rapid reduction in emissions from heating, the country’s biggest source of carbon emissions.
Read the press release here about the District Heat Network.
Climate Action Plan in development to grow a more sustainable Bradford District
Press Release, 24 March 2025
The Sustainability Service has prepared a draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) which will be further developed based on expert advice and public consultation, and which will include a detailed Carbon Emission Reduction Pathway for the District. The Council has already made significant progress which means that Bradford is at the forefront of national activity to achieve net zero and attract significant investment for jobs and growth. Analysis of public consultation responses and stakeholder engagement session will be considered alongside recommendations from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Pathway.
Read the press release here about the draft Climate Action Plan.
Bradford Manufacturing Futures organisation formed to lead the way for decarbonisation
Press Release, 25 February 2025
The Bradford Manufacturing Futures (BMF) launch event was held Friday, 21 February in Bradford City Hall. The BMF is a non-for-profit organisation led by local manufacturers but supported by local government, local infrastructure companies, innovation organisations and service providers, to practically navigate the transition to Net Zero, avoiding risk and taking advantage of opportunities.
Read the press release here from Bradford Manufacturing Futures.
Plans to expand the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Bradford district
Press release, 27 January 2025
Bradford Council is seeking approval to proceed with the phased LEVI Grant Funded Programme for the delivery of additional electric vehicle infrastructure within the district, to be delivered by an experienced EV solutions contractor.
Read the full press release on Electric Vehicle Infrastructure here.
100% electric gritter added to the Bradford Council fleet for the winter season
Press release, 19 December 2024
In support of our ambition to protect and enhance the environment, Bradford Council are trialling an EV gritter which is 100% electric and has a range of up to 170 miles, enabling it to complete gritting routes with ease.
Read the full press release for the Electric Gritter
Bradford landmark Low Carbon Hydrogen project event
Press release, 27 September 2024
Industry leaders, council officials, stakeholders and climate experts descended on Bradford today (27 September) to discuss how the city’s landmark hydrogen project can be central to the region’s low-carbon future.
Read the full press release for the Hydrogen event here.
Bradford Clean Air Zone £4m grant funding for fully electric Bradford licenced taxi vehicles
Press release, 30 November 2023
£4.1 million of Clean Air Zone grant funding is now available for the Bradford Licenced taxi trade to assist with the running costs of a fully electric hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle. Applicants can choose to purchase or take out a long-term lease (minimum 2 years lease at time the grant agreement is signed and returned) to be eligible for the grant.
