Brussels, 27/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 26 September, the European Commission decided to authorise an aid scheme proposed by Czech authorities to encourage research and development work in transport. The aim of this work is to increase the safety of traffic, mitigate the negative effects of transport on health and the environment, develop infrastructure, and promote intermodal and multimodal transport. The aid will be granted to the end of 2011 to companies, universities, public research institutes, non-profit-making organisations and public organisations engaged in research. The overall budget of the scheme is €10,736,372.05. Aid may be granted for up to 100% of the eligible costs of fundamental research, 75% of industrial research and 50% of pre-competitive research, and will take the form of a direct grant. The Commission considered this aid was compatible with the proper functioning of the common market.