WEST Yorkshire Combined Authority - which includes Bradford Council - will get a £30,000 Government-backed feasibility study into the possibility of introducing electric cabs.

The research will look at ways the authority could use a slice of a £20 million fund aimed at providing more environmentally-friendly travel in the region.

The Combined Authority - which incorporates councils in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York - is one of eight authorities to receive the Government-backed study. Other local councils can still bid for a share of the £20m, but will have to cover the cost of their own studies.

A spokesman for the Combined Authority said: "We will be looking with interest at the outcome of the study when it is completed."

He would not comment further.

Bradford Council leader David Green, who also sits on the Authority, added:"We have always thought about more sustainable transport such as low emission buses or electric cars where possible with charge points.

"So it is certainly something we should look at and consider and see what the options available are to see if we can take them forward."

The study, carried out by the Energy Saving Trust, will gather information on how local authorities could use the money to reduce the upfront cost of purpose-built taxis and install charging infrastructure for taxi and private hire use.

The gGvernment will announce the winning schemes next April.

Other authorities that will receive a feasibility study are Birmingham City Council, Cambridge City Council, Coventry City Council, Dundee City Council, Nottingham City Council, Oxford City Council and Sheffield City Council.

Transport minister Andrew Jones said: "Plug-in taxis are cheaper to run, better for the environment and an example of Britain leading the way in an innovative industry. That is why Government is investing £500m in low emission vehicles over the next five years to make them an accessible and affordable choice for all.

"These areas have shown they are committed to adopting greener technology and the Government is backing their ambition by showing the benefits a share of £20m of funding could deliver."

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "We’re really looking forward to working alongside the government in taking this pioneering scheme forward and witnessing the huge benefits it will bring to businesses.

"Our experience in this area gives us every confidence that organisations as diverse as licensing authorities, car manufacturers, District Network Operators and charge-point installers can become leading players in rolling out Ultra-low emission taxis and private hire vehicles right across the country."