In May 2020, the DfT announced a £225m Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF) for councils in England to encourage healthier and safer travel habits, allow for physical distancing, and prevent congestion on our roads. Funding was also made available by the Scottish and Welsh Governments to local authorities to encourage walking and cycling. Many projects delivered with the £42m first tranche of EATF generated local controversy and public backlash. The DfT acknowledged that some schemes were ‘nowhere near good enough’. A tight timetable for spending the ?42m, which gave little opportunity for consultation. In November 2020, the DfT announced the release of the second phase of this funding, £175m ‘for high-quality cycling?and?walking infrastructure across England’ to make local journeys safer for?everyone. The DfT added: • surveys reveal that nearly eight out of ten people support measures to reduce road traffic in their neighbourhood, and two thirds of people support reallocating road space for walking and cycling • the funding is allocated alongside strict plans set out by the Transport Secretary to ensure councils consult local communities Since the funding was announced, several studies last week have set out out the urgent case for why we need more active travel measures, and this webinar will explore the issues and addresses some of the criticisms made: • concerns about congestion • effects on businesses and residents • the consultation process and public support • evidence and case studies from across the country
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