Millions of pounds will be “released as soon as possible so that work can begin at pace on closing roads to through traffic, installing segregated cycle lanes and widening pavements,” says a letter sent to UK local authorities on May 27.
“To receive any money under this or future tranches, you will need to show us that you have a swift and meaningful plan to reallocate road space to cyclists and pedestrians, including strategic corridors,” continues the letter, signed by Rupert Furness, a deputy director of the Department for Transport in London.
The letter tells local authorities that walking and cycling are now “essential” forms of transport that can “help us avoid overcrowding on public transport systems as we begin to open up parts of our economy.”
Furness, who works for the Active and Accessible Travel unit within the Department for Transport (DfT), stresses: “We have a window of opportunity to act now to embed walking and cycling as part of new long-term commuting habits and reap the associated health, air quality and congestion benefits.”