£78 million for local sustainable transport schemes
Local authorities invited to bid for part of over £78 million transport fund.
Sustainable transport schemes across England could benefit from a multi-million boost in funding, thanks to the Department for Transport.
Local authorities have today (23 December 2013) been invited to bid for a £78.5 million slice of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
Minister for Transport Baroness Kramer said:
We have seen some real success stories from previous winning schemes so I am looking forward to considering the plans that are put forward.
Earlier successful schemes addressed a variety of sustainable transport measures and we saw significant changes in the way people travelled as a result. The improvements the schemes generated have given people more options to make healthier and greener transport choices.
In the new year I will be inviting local transport authorities to start preparing and developing their proposals.
Guidance on the operation of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund 2015 to 2016 revenue competition has been launched today (23 December 2013) by the Department for Transport.
The guidance will invite local transport authorities in England (outside London) to apply for revenue funding up to a maximum of £1 million to support the cost of a range of sustainable travel measures. Proposals should consider the importance of integrating sustainable transport to make it easier and more convenient for people to make their journey from door-to-door by public transport, cycling and walking. The guidance will also set out the criteria against which decisions on the allocation of funding will be taken and the need to demonstrate value for money, deliverability and affordability of package proposals. This fund will also support Bikeability training.
Additional information about the application process, including the application form, will be published on the Department for Transport website in the new year.
The benefits of the investment will be felt on a national level. By enabling and encouraging people to make more sustainable travel choices, the projects will reduce excess traffic delays and help tackle problems such as air quality and noise, whilst improved cycling and walking infrastructure will help to combat the health problems associated with physical inactivity.
News desk enquiries
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878
Switchboard 0300 330 3000