Monday 11 May 2020

UK Government launches £2bn green transport package for post-coronavirus era

The UK Government has launched a £2 billion green transport package to boost cycling and walking in the post-corona era.

Pop-up bike lanes, wider pavements, cycle and bus-only corridors will soon appear across the UK as part of a new funding scheme to support safe forms of transport during the coronavirus pandemic.

The plans will also help encourage people choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, make maintaining healthier habits easier and help make sure the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand.

The Department for Transport also suggests some streets in towns and cities could become bike and bus-only and more side lanes could be closed to create low-traffic neighbourhoods.

Vouchers will also be issued for cycle repairs to encourage people to get their old bikes in the streets again.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, said: "During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport.

"With public transport’s capacity severely restricted at this time, our trains and buses could become overcrowded and our roads gridlocked holding up emergency services, critical workers and vital supplies.

"We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better."