Urban Foresight partnered with EST Scotland under Horizon 2020 living laboratory programme EMPOWER, to test the value of positive incentives and smart technologies to discourage the use of fossil fuelled vehicles.

The research was undertaken as part of the EMPOWER project, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, which aims to reduce the use of conventionally fuelled vehicles in cities by exploring the role of positive incentives and smart technologies in persuading people to make modest shifts in their transport choices.

Urban Foresight carried out an evaluation study on Transport Scotland’s Switched On @Work programme, delivered by EST Scotland. This initiative provides engagement and educational activities in the workplace to improve consumer awareness of EVs. Over 400 employees were offered free advice through bespoke workshops, test-drive experiences and a series of grants and loans.

Urban Foresight carried out a series of surveys and analysis on the engagements. The initial baseline activity was captured through a pre-engagement questionnaire which sought to establish the patterns of transport use of the individual and their attitudes towards the use of ULEVs. The scheme’s impact was measured through a post-engagement questionnaire that assessed the change in behaviour, intentions and attitudes of individuals. A secondary measure of impact was the uptake for the vehicle loans and charging grants.

At the end of the living laboratory we had recruited 34 organisations as participants within the initiative, with the potential to reach over an estimated 90,000 individuals.

Photo by Sara Kurfeß