Local MP for Basingstoke, Maria Miller has welcomed news that Hampshire is set to receive an additional £3,280,350 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund – designed to create safe space for cycling and walking.
In total, £175 million is being allocated to local authorities and could be used to fund measures such as school streets, low traffic neighbourhoods and segregated cycle lanes.
Following discussions with local MPs, the Government has put in place tough new conditions to ensure that there is time to consult local communities on any proposed schemes and that impact on other road users is closely weighed up.
Maria said “As many of us have tried to avoid public transport in recent months, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people opting to walk or get on their bike when moving around.
“I’m delighted that Hampshire will benefit from additional funding to make our local area more bike and pedestrian-friendly, while maintaining the access and space other road users still need.
Also commenting, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “It has been great to see so many people build cycling and walking into their daily travel habits. To support them, we know it’s vital to have the right infrastructure in place so everyone – cyclists, pedestrians and motorists – can use our roads.
“This funding will help further realise that ambition, but councils must engage with communities to develop schemes that work for everyone – those that haven’t won’t be able to take their plans forward.”