The council share this latest news. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council has started to deliver a £450,000 sustainable transport programme funded by the Department for Transport during the current financial year.
The projects are designed to support economic growth and reduce the Island’s carbon footprint, particularly by encouraging more people to participate in walking or cycling activities.
Inspire changes in travel behaviour
The funding will be used to build on the work already undertaken by the council and partner organisations to inspire changes in travel behaviour and is to be specifically used for marketing, providing training and improving skills to help people make healthier and more sustainable travel choices.
Third round of funding
This is the third time that the council has secured funding from the Department for transport for sustainable transport projects. Previously the funding has supported the introduction of the Island Coaster bus service, provided grants to Island businesses to install cycling facilities such as bike racks and shelters, established a network of travel ambassadors and delivered school and workplace engagement activities to encourage cycling and sustainable travel.
Priorities
In line with the funding guidance, the focus of this year’s funding will be on promoting more sustainable travel choices to commuters, young people accessing education and the tourism industry.
Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member for public transport, tourism, recreation and heritage, said:
“This funding award presents the Island with an excellent opportunity to continue to create opportunities for active travel, and follows previous similar funding awards in 2012 and 2015.
“We look forward to working in partnership with various organisations to deliver projects which inspire more people to enjoy walking and cycling on the Island, supporting health and wellbeing and quality of life outcomes.”
The Isle of Wight Council was one of only 21 local authorities in England to be awarded funding from the Department for Transport Sustainable Travel Transition Year fund in 2016/17.
The Isle of Wight Council’s bid document can be found on the Council’s Website.
