Liverpool Live Labs sets national benchmark in decarbonising roads and sustainable transport

Liverpool City Council’s Highways team is celebrating the success of the Liverpool Live Labs Programme, which continues to lead the way in decarbonising roads and shaping sustainable transport across the UK.

The ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK initiative is a three-year, £30 million programmefunded by the Department for Transport. Its goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of local highway networks while improving infrastructure for residents, cyclists, and drivers alike.

Over the past three years, Liverpool Live Labs 2 has partnered with industry leaders, academic institutions, and local communities to turn ambitious climate goals into practical solutions. The programme has tested and implemented more than 25 innovative interventions, ranging from cutting-edge technologies to practical environmental improvements.

Key achievements include:

• Carbon Reduction: By the end of the demonstration phase, the programme is expected to save up to 772.7 tCO2e, equivalent to removing at least 300 cars from the road for a year.

• Innovation Ecosystem: The city has trialled a range of solutions, including the UK’s first whole-life carbon optioneering tool, luminescent road markings (Luminokrom), permeable pavements (Kiacrete), recycled asphalt (HALO RubberPave), adaptive traffic lighting, and smart IoT lampposts (Omniflow).

• Community Impact: Initiatives have enhanced active travel routes, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and engaged residents through creative campaigns and volunteering events promoting environmental regeneration.

• Collaboration: Partnerships with organisations such as Colas, Pell Frischmann, Imperial College London, Bird & Bird Legal Specialists, and Liverpool John Moores University have been central to the programme’s success.

  
  

Notable projects and success stories:

• Everton Park: Luminescent road markings led to a 50% increase in active travel movements, earning positive feedback from local residents.

• Princess Drive: A busy commuter route demonstrated the Mile Pave innovation, reducing road noise and cutting carbon emissions by 38% compared to traditional surfaces.

• Bright Park Volunteering Initiative: Community volunteers installed bee hotels, flower beds, and bird feeders, highlighting the programme’s focus on biodiversity and local engagement.

  
  

The Liverpool Live Labs projects have received industry recognition, being shortlisted or commended at the CIHT NW Awards, Highways Awards UK, and Green Business Awards, with special mentions for partnership and climate leadership.

Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity at Liverpool City Council, said:

"Through robust analysis and open collaboration, Liverpool is demonstrating measurable and sustainable benefits for our communities. The project has already created notable success stories, improving road quality, air quality, and reducing noise levels. Other cities can learn from our experience and join us on the journey to net zero."

Liverpool Live Labs continues to position the city as a national leader in sustainable transport innovation, proving that ambitious ideas, backed by collaboration and evidence, can drive real, measurable change for residents and the environment.