Councils to get cut of £30m active travel funds
Getty ImagesLocal authorities in the West Midlands are to receive a cut of £30.9m in government funding to build more walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
The money is part of a national package of £291m from the government agency Active Travel England (ATE).
ATE said the funds would help councils deliver high quality cycle tracks and footpaths as well as safer crossings and junctions.
It also published guidance for authorities to help ensure residents and businesses were heard during the process of designing and delivering such changes in areas.
How much will local authorities recieve?
- Herefordshire Council - £492,894
- Shropshire Council - £853,343
- Staffordshire County Council - £2,306,977
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council - £678,112
- Telford and Wrekin Council - £899,976
- Warwickshire County Council - £2,901,513
- West Midlands Combined Authority - £21,182,890
- Worcestershire County Council - £1,589,781
"Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation's health, economy and get to net zero, all in one," said Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner.
"Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it's time we had the same life-improving choices."
The funding would help make our towns, cities and villages "happier, healthier and greener places to live", he added.
According to ATE, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Transport, the national funding package would allow the construction of more than 300 miles of new walkways and cycle lanes across the country.
"This will help people make 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year, including more than 20 million new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents," it said.
It said the additional cycle lanes and walkways would lead to fewer sick days, easing pressure on the NHS, while the new infrastructure would boost the economy by supporting local businesses.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.