Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the news that Hampshire County Council will receive £3,280,350 in additional funding to create and improve cycling and walking infrastructure across Hampshire.
The funding will help improve routes and the safety of cyclists and walkers across Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent, encouraging constituents to not only use safer, greener transport but improve their fitness. Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, following a joint bid by Portsmouth City Council and Gosport Borough Council, have already seen a £56 million investment in the local transport network and infrastructure announced this September.
A total of £175 million is being allocated to local authorities across the country, to fund measures such as School Streets, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and segregated cycle lanes. This comes on top of more than £27 billion that will be invested in England’s roads over the next five years.
Over the summer, Caroline welcomed the news that so many people had taken to cycling since the beginning of the pandemic – up 100% on weekdays and 200% on weekends. She has been encouraging constituents to make the most of the governments Cycle To Work Scheme - allowing employees to buy a tax free bike, which should save around 25-39% on a purchase.
She commented:
“It is great news that Hampshire will see further investment in its cycling and walking routes, to help my constituents get around safely on two wheels or two legs!
“I know that many residents are keen to keep active, but concerned about the safety of cycling on busy roads and walking paths. This investment will go a long way to helping create safe, green and clean transport routes.”
Also commenting, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“It has been great to see so many people build cycling and walking into their daily travel habits. To support them, we know it’s vital to have the right infrastructure in place so everyone – cyclists, pedestrians and motorists – can use our roads.
“Whether you’re walking, cycling, driving or using public transport, people must have the space they need to get around safely.”
