Millions to be spent on green transport

The government is investing £64 million in 44 new sustainable transport schemes after Transport Minister Baroness Kramer approved them.

The successful schemes will bring environmental, health and economic benefits to communities across England. The range of schemes will include improved infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, better bus journeys and new and upgraded transport interchanges allowing people to easily switch from one mode of transport to another.

The Department for Transport is providing £64m towards the schemes in the latest round of its Local Sustainable Transport Fund, with Local Enterprise Partnerships investing over £100m of the funding they received earlier this week as part of the Local Growth Fund. Further match funding will take the value of the package to over £440m.

Baroness Kramer said: “We want more people to choose to travel in a way that cuts congestion and carbon, delivering economic and environmental benefits. This funding will make that choice easier for millions of people across the country, delivering new sustainable transport schemes throughout England.”

To be considered for funding, the schemes had to demonstrate how they would boost economic growth, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and encourage higher levels of cycling and walking to improve public health.

The funding is good news for cycling, with all the schemes including measures to get people on their bikes such as cycle hire, maintenance and cycle hubs. This complements the infrastructure schemes funded through the Local Growth Fund, including cycle networks across the country.

The successful bids can be viewed on an interactive map here: http://maps.dft.gov.uk/local-sustainable-transport-fund/