The Welsh Government has unveiled £15.4m of funding to help local authorities introduce measures that will improve safety for sustainable and active travel modes.
The funding, announced by Lee Waters, Wales’ deputy minister for economy and transport, will prioritise schemes which can be completed within the next three to four months.
It includes £2m specifically to implement schemes around schools, enabling pupils to make safe walking and cycling journeys, while maintaining social distancing.
Among the beneficiaries of the funding is Carmarthenshire, where a package of measures will be introduced in rural towns. This includes upgrading of footways, wayfinding and signposting users to the best routes.
It will also see the reallocation of road space – for increased footway width and to enhance safety/capacity for cyclists.
Lee Waters said: “During the lockdown period there were large increases in walking and cycling among individuals and families, both for exercise and to make necessary journeys.
“We now need to act to maintain these healthy and climate friendly travel behaviours and prevent a return to heavily car-dependent travel choices.
“Among the diverse measures planned at the local level, I have asked local authorities to clearly prioritise delivery of those schemes which can be completed within the next three to four months and have the greatest impact in their local area.
“The funding allocated will improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists in both urban and rural areas.”
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