Government unveils Urban Challenge Fund

Tue 02 Mar 2010

The government has launched a new funding scheme which should aid local authorities' efforts to deliver innovative transport strategies.

According to transport minister Sadiq Khan, the Urban Challenge Fund has been designed to support cities that want to deliver economic, environmental and health benefits at the same time.

Therefore, councils will only be allowed to receive money from the fund if they can demonstrate that their plans meet certain criteria.

This will include reducing carbon emissions, promoting healthier lifestyles, tackling congestion and improving journey choice.

Mr Khan noted that over the last decade, record investment has helped to deliver thousands of infrastructure improvements across the UK.

However, he said more can still be done, as urban transport planning must be "embedded" in broader economic and special planning.

Mr Khan stated that while this may sound an obvious objective, the extent to which urban authorities have successfully delivered this varies a great deal.

This comes after the government awarded ten urban areas in Britain a total of £19.7 million for beating congestion targets, including London, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.