£15.9 Million Investment in Active Travel Schemes across North East England

Strategic Insights -

A total of £15.9 million has been committed to improving walking and cycling routes across North East England, with £9.7 million set to be spent on the A193 Active Travel Scheme and £5.2 million on the Ashington A1 Active Travel Scheme. The schemes aim to enhance connectivity and provide sustainable transportation options, with the A193 scheme connecting to the existing cycleways in North Tyneside and the Ashington scheme linking up with a new college, town centre regeneration, and employment opportunities. The funding is part of the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund, allocated to the North East Combined Authority by the government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North East Combined Authority and Northumberland County Council have committed £15.9 million to active travel schemes, with £9.7 million for the A193 Active Travel Scheme and £5.2 million for the Ashington A1 Active Travel Scheme.
  • The A193 scheme aims to connect with existing cycleways in North Tyneside, providing a sustainable transportation option for residents.
  • The Ashington scheme will link up with a new college, town centre regeneration, and employment opportunities, enhancing connectivity and providing a series of paths and routes.
  • The projects are part of the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund, allocated to the North East Combined Authority by the government.
  • The cabinet unanimously agreed to accept the grant and provide the matched funding.
  • Council deputy leader Richard Wearmouth stated that the money from the North East Combined Authority could only be used for active travel purposes.
  • The Ashington scheme will benefit from linking up with the new college, town centre regeneration, and employment opportunities.

Statistics:

  • £15.9 million total investment in active travel schemes.
  • £9.7 million for the A193 Active Travel Scheme.
  • £5.2 million for the Ashington A1 Active Travel Scheme.
  • £2 million contributed by Northumberland County Council.
  • £2 million+ contributed by the North East Combined Authority.
  • 100% match from the cabinet for the grant provided by the North East Combined Authority.
  • 0% of the funding allocation is for purposes other than active travel, according to Council deputy leader Richard Wearmouth.

Sources:

  • Northumberland County Council press release (undated)
  • Statement from Council deputy leader Richard Wearmouth (undated)
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 'City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Fund' (undated)