Cycling and walking routes in Wiltshire to get nearly £1 million investment
The Government says our streets will become safer and less congested
Last updated 19th May 2023
The school run is about to be transformed in the South West as £23 million is set to be invested into walking and cycling routes.
Wiltshire has been awarded £978,000 of this Government funding from the Department of Transport.
The Council's now given further details of where that money will be spent.
A new cycling route is being planned linking Amesbury and Larkhill, as well as a new pedestrian footbridge between Salisbury's coach park and the Central car park, for the River Park scheme.
We're told the footbridge will cost £458,000 and be ready for April 2024, while the £200,000 cycle pathway will now go into the design phase.
The rest of Wiltshire's money will go towards a project in Hilperton.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“We’re delighted to receive more than our initial allocation from Active Travel England for these three projects that will offer safer walking and cycling opportunities in Wiltshire.
“Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle can help to save people money, improve health and also reduce carbon emissions, and that’s why we’re committed to active travel as part of our Business Plan.
“We look forward to the Salisbury and Hilperton schemes being constructed, while the Amesbury scheme can move forward to the detailed design stage thanks to this funding.”
Nationally, the investment will also boost local economies and generate around 16 million extra walking and cycling trips nationwide.
As well as economical benefits, there will be environmental gains with less congestion on the roads.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:
“We want to make sure everyone across the country can choose cheaper, greener and healthier travel, while we continue to support our high streets and local businesses.”
A country wide package of £200million, which was announced in February, will deliver a variety of schemes across the UK to make streets around schools safer.
That also includes nearly £2.5 million of funding for Hampshire County Council too.
The projects that have been awarded funding have proven they can provide attractive reasons for cycling and walking on local journeys, with local authorities working with people in the area to ensure maximal benefit to the community.
Safety and accessibility are at the heart of the improvements and creation of walking and cycling routes, allowing parents and children walking to schools to be safer and users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters to be included more.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said:
“By giving millions of people the freedom of choice to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday trips, this funding will help us improve public health, tackle climate change and give hundreds of thousands of children the independence to travel safely under their own steam.
“Now our focus is working with councils to get these schemes built swiftly. We’ll be working together to ensure the projects are well designed and effective, so that they bring maximum benefits to communities and help improve lives nationwide.”