The projects include a major scheme for Nottingham and smaller scheme for Rutland and have won funding as part of the third allocation from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The Department for Transport funding is expected to unlock additional local contributions of £15 million for a regional total of over £29 million.
The schemes are among 27 successful bids receiving funding across England today. All projects are designed to create a carbon-cutting transport package that delivers economic growth.
The successful schemes in the East Midlands aim to make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive as well as removing potential transport barriers to employment.
Norman Baker said:
"The schemes we are funding will improve life for people in the East Midlands and show that cutting carbon and boosting economic growth can go hand in hand.
"Our investment in these schemes shows that we are serious about funding infrastructure where there is a clear business case for doing so. The money we are putting into these projects will unlock much greater economic benefits for communities as well as improving the environment – it’s a win-win for the region.”
The successful East Midlands bids are:
- Nottingham City Council will receive £10.3 million for its project, Nottingham Urban Area Local Sustainable Transport Fund which will extend the city’s smartcard scheme to cover more modes of transport, set up a network of community travel hubs, improve infrastructure and encourage more walking and cycling.
- Rutland County Council will receive £4 million for Travel4Rutland which will help job seekers access work and training and help visitors to the area use more sustainable transport. It will include a shuttle bus to employment hubs, a Wheels to Work hub at the railway station and a tourism bus linking the popular sites of Rutland Water, Oakham and Uppingham.
A link to the full list of the successful bids can be found below. All the schemes for which funding has been confirmed today are also receiving significant contributions from the local council or the private sector.
These local schemes will bring national benefits. In addition to supporting economic growth, while enabling and encouraging people to make more sustainable travel choices, the projects will reduce delays on the roads in urban areas, delays which cost the economy around £11 billion a year. They will also help tackle problems such as poor air quality and improved cycling and walking infrastructure will help to improve the health of the nation.
Notes to Editors
- Other schemes benefiting from funding under the Local Sustainable Transport Scheme were announced in May 2012 and July 2011. Today's announcement relates to schemes seeking contributions from the Department of more than £5 million, as well as the remaining smaller schemes that were not covered in our May announcement
2. A link to the full list of successful bids can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-sustainable-transport-fund-guidance-on-the-application-process/
3. Details of regional bids can be seen below. Figures are in millions of pounds.
Bid | DfT Funding | Overall cost of scheme |
Nottingham | 10.3 | 24.6 |
Rutland | 4 | 4.7 |
Total | 14.3 | 29.3 |
For media queries please call DfT press office on 0207 944 4342.
Issued on behalf of DfT by Regional News Network.