Simon Kirby, Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven has welcomed the announcement of £1.485m funding from the Department for Transport for Brighton & Hove’s Brighton &Hove: Unlocking Growth with Active Travel programme.

The Department for Transport launched the Access Fund competition on 5th July last year with £60 million of revenue funding available for 2017-20. The competition was open to all English transport authorities outside London.

The primary objectives of the Access Fund are “to support the local economy by supporting access to new and existing employment, education and training” and “to actively promote increased levels of physical activity through walking and cycling”.

The £1.485m will be awarded over a period from April 2017 to March 2020.

Simon commented, “This is great news for Brighton & Hove. Many more people will be encouraged to cycle and walk to work thanks to this Government investment.”

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:

“We are committed to improving how people travel and this investment will ensure that people’s journeys are cheaper, safer and better for the environment. It will help people to become more active and better transport planning will reduce congestion on our roads – particularly at peak times. This investment will also help people access jobs, education and training - specifically targeting those looking to get back into work, as part of our relentless drive to make this is a country that works for everyone.”

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport said:

“We strongly welcome this announcement of the access fund projects and the new cycling and walking to work fund. The evidence suggests that these kinds of projects can remove barriers to work, help local communities and businesses and also tackle local transport problems by giving people attractive alternatives to car use. We look forward to working with the Government, the authorities involved, and other organisations to develop and learn from these projects.”