Benchmarks: Cleaner cities

A pounds 2m programme aimed at improving city life has been launched by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. 'Towards the sustainable city' is aimed at helping scientists and engineers to understand how cities work and improving urban planning.

The programme will look for ways to reduce air and water pollution and to improve recycling schemes. Money will also be available for research into the expected impact of teleworking on urban transport needs and also of finding uses for spaces under city streets.