Access Fund winners announced: new investment could lead to 95 million fewer miles in car journeys

The DfT has announced details of successful bidders for its Access Fund for sustainable travel. Thousands more people will be encouraged to cycle and walk to work thanks to a £64 million government investment, Transport Minister Andrew Jones, announced.  The funding will support local projects over three years from 2017 - 2020 and form part of a wider government package of more than £300 million to boost walking and cycling during the current parliament. By 2040 the government aims to make this part of everyday life and walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.   

All English transport authorities (outside London) were invited to bid for the funding. 25 successful local authority bidders will each receive a share of the £60 million Sustainable Travel Access Fund for 2017-20: see the list of winners here.

Landor LINKS will be delivering workshops around Access funding and other sustainable transport funds at the Sustainable Transport and Health Summit.

The money will deliver:

• more safety and awareness training for cyclists  
• extra secure cycle storage 
• bike repair and maintenance courses 
• road safety measures
• mapping information for pedestrians
• real time bus information through smart phone apps or information at bus stops 
• increased focus on car sharing clubs 

The funding will also target those looking to get back into work because access to transport and the cost of travel often restricts where jobseekers can look for work and their ability to attend interviews. They will also benefit from discount bus travel and bike loans.  

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: 'We are committed to improving how people travel and this investment will ensure that people’s journeys are cheaper, safer and better for the environment. It will help people to become more active and better transport planning will reduce congestion on our roads – particularly at peak times. This investment will also help people access jobs, education and training - specifically targeting those looking to get back into work, as part of our relentless drive to make this a country that works for everyone.'

The funding could lead to:

• 95 million fewer miles in car journeys 
• 99,000 extra walking trips per day and;
• 40,000 extra cycling trips per day

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport said: 'We strongly welcome this announcement of the access fund projects and the new cycling and walking to work fund. The evidence suggests that these kinds of projects can remove barriers to work, help local communities and businesses and also tackle local transport problems by giving people attractive alternatives to car use. We look forward to working with the Government, the authorities involved, and other organisations to develop and learn from these projects.'