Announcing funding for Staffordshire, Guy Opperman, the Minister for Roads and Local Transport has today said:   “All local transport authorities in England outside London will receive a share of £51.5 million as part of the Active Travel Capability Fund. Staffordshire received £157,154 in 2023/24 and will now receive £470,471 in 2024/25.

“This funding has been provided primarily to help local authorities design walking and cycling schemes that are safe and are supported by local residents, underpinned by effective consultation and engagement plans. The funding can also be used by Staffordshire to pay for helping people walk or bike to school and work, including cycle loans and cycle training.”

Michael Fabricant adds “This is fantastic news for cyclists and walkers across the County.  And a further £900,000 is also being given to Staffordshire to expand local walking and cycling networks.

“This will help deliver almost 70 miles of new or improved walking and cycling routes, 154 new crossings and 47 safer junctions across 36 local authorities including Staffordshire. This comes on top of £200 million of Active Travel Funding provided in March 2023.

“Authorities have received allocations based on local capability level and the quality and value for money of schemes proposed. The projects, funded by Active Travel England, have been designed to benefit all communities and Staffordshire, along with other authorities, will work closely with residents to ensure they have public support.

“Safety and accessibility are at the heart of the newly funded projects to give local people the choice to make everyday journeys by walking or cycling and that has to be good news around Lichfield District.”