Walking and cycling will help to boost economy and "eliminate the deficit" - DfT

The DfT has declared that increasing the number of people choosing to walk or cycle will help reduce congestion and therefore "support the delivery of our long-term economic plan to eliminate the deficit".

The statement comes in its timetable for publishing its cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS), in which it sets out that the Government wants "walking and cycling to become the norm for short journeys". The DfT says that the CWIS will include "results to be achieved" and "standards to be met".

It is also exploring "new models of governance". It has commissioned a study to inform the plan and provide "a suite of materials" for local bodies to develop their own plans.

More details ahead of the summer draft are to come at Smarter Travel LIVE in the spring.