London, Jan 19, 2011: Today’s Local Transport White Paper and Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) Guidance for the first time ring fences money for walking, cycling and public transport and gives a real opportunity to get people travelling around in ways that are good for their health and the environment. However, the charity Sustrans, also sounds a word of warning that the total cuts to government local transport funding of 26% for 2011/12 will mean that local authorities will face difficult choices with their local transport plans.
The LSTF is designed to support the economy, whilst reducing carbon emissions. Both of these objectives, and many more, can be met by proven cost effective solutions such as projects to reduce car use and get more people walking, cycling and using public transport – which return around £8 worth of benefits for every pound invested.
Sustrans’ Chief Executive Malcolm Shepherd: “The Local Sustainable Transport Fund is timely and welcome but there’s a compelling argument for a far greater proportion of transport spend to be earmarked to increase people’s local travel choices, especially at a time when local transport spending is set to be reduced by over a quarter next year.”
Malcolm Shepherd continues “From Sustrans’ work we know that investment in sustainable transport is low risk with the potential for high returns. As local authorities now consider their bid for funding we would urge them to unlock massive potential for change and expand the choices people have for getting around locally by walking, cycling or using public transport."
The Sustrans website - www.sustrans.org.uk - has a free online map service to discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike. Search for local or national routes, plot journeys, or find what the local area has to offer from schools, supermarkets and local landmarks to car clubs, bus stops and bike shops.
Sustrans is the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices.
Source: Sustrans
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