Government gives new transport projects green light

Date: 27/10/2010

The government has given 24 new transport schemes the green light and announced £600 million worth of further funding for local authorities.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond explained many of the confirmed projects aim to improve congestion problems by widening motorways.

Councils will be invited to bid for the fund in order to finance local initiatives in a competitive process the state believes will ensure the greatest number of proposals will be supported.

Mr Hammond said transport was treated as a "priority" in the recent Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and the government sees the sector as a "key driver of growth".

"This investment will not only bring benefits in terms of reduced congestion, shorter journey times and more efficient public transport, but also provide a vital economic boost," he remarked.

London Mayor Boris Johnson recently welcomed the protection of funding for the capital's travel services in the CSR, including the building of Crossrail, upgrade works on the London Underground and maintenance of the city's bus network.

Posted by Mary Treen