UK government plans £560m local transport fund

The government plans to set up a 560 million pound fund to develop green local transport schemes over the next four years, it said Wednesday.

“A good transport system is vital in our efforts to deliver two key government priorities: to help grow the economy and to reduce carbon emissions,” said Transport Minister Norman Baker.

“Investment in local sustainable transport can deliver quick gains with both objectives, which is why, even in these difficult financial times, we are providing an unprecedented 560 million to take this agenda forward,” he added.

Transport spending was cut by 15 percent over the next four years in the comprehensive spending review published in October.

Baker will set out the government’s strategy for local transport in its “Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon” white paper to be presented to parliament Wednesday.

The coalition plans to give local authorities greater freedom to decide on their own transport projects, seeking to cut red tape and encourage innovation in urban and rural areas.

It will also detail the measures central government will be taking to encourage walking, cycling and increased use of public transport.

Examples of existing schemes which cut carbon and help jobs include one in the Yorkshire Dales which offers apprentices and trainees the loan of a motorcycle that helps them take up local job offers where they need transport.

Another example is a car share scheme in Devon which has resulted in 150,000 trips shared per year, the ministry said.

Rising fuel prices have put the issue of car pooling back on the agenda for many cash-strapped commuters.

Source: Reuters