Government reveals further details of Local Sustainable Transport Fund
Wed 10 November 2010
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The transport minister, Norman Baker, has revealed more details of the £560m four-year Local Sustainable Transport Fund which was announced in late-September. The Fund will be used for low-cost, high-benefit schemes which support the economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Speaking at a conference on sustainable transport, Mr Baker said: "We want to encourage people to make more journeys by sustainable, carbon-friendly modes of transport – from walking to cycling, from car-sharing to public transport."
He added: "But there’s another important aspect of this new Fund that I want to highlight – namely that it is part of our efforts to simplify the myriad of funding grants that have been issued for various projects and purposes in the past.
"This system was centralised, bureaucratic and inflexible. It was synonymous with an out-dated, top-down, Whitehall-knows-best culture.
"So let me be clear – we will not be setting conditions as to what schemes we are prepared to support through the Fund, provided they are affordable, deliverable and meet the high level requirements of helping the economy and cutting carbon. There is no set menu.
"Instead, it will be for local authorities - working in partnership with their communities, with neighbouring authorities, transport providers and transport users, health service organisations, environmental groups and local people - to decide on the right solutions for their area. Solutions that will be efficient, effective and sustainable - solutions informed, shaped and driven by localism."
In response to a Parliamentary Question (20195) on the proportion of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund the Government estimates will be spent on (a) major public transport schemes and (b) local schemes to promote (i) travel by bus, (ii) cycling and (iii) walking, Mr Baker said that the proportion of different scheme types that receive funding through the LSTF will depend upon the nature of the bids received.
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