14.03.18
Hammond invites bids for £840m of ‘essential’ transport cash
Philip Hammond has invited proposals from cities across England for the remaining £840m from the £1.7bn Transforming Cities Fund, announced in the Autumn Budget.
The cash will help local authorities to deliver on their local transport priorities.
Andrew Allen, from the Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the confirmation that this transport funding will be available to all English cities, not just those with mayors.
He explained: “This funding is essential in cleaning up toxic air, rebalancing the economy and tackling social exclusion.”
Cities should take advantage of the opportunity by investing in viable bus services and improving cycling and walking infrastructures, he added, as well as helping to deliver the government’s commitment to expanding the rail network.
Allen concluded: “We also welcome the consultation on reducing tax for low emission vans. Vans are one of the largest growing transport modes, so encouraging firms to switch to low emission vehicles is imperative if we are to address our woeful air quality.”
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