The Department for Transport published the government's 'Transport Investment Strategy' on 5 July 2017. It sets out the DfT's priorities and approach for future transport investment decisions under the current minority government, aimed at "delivering a stronger, fairer Britain". A spend of £61 billion is planned between 2015/16 and 2020/21 to maintain and upgrade the road and rail network. The full 68-page paper, as well as a summary, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-investment-strategy

DfT Press Release

The Government has published its £1.2 billion long-term plan to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys. [This will benefit England excluding London.]

The Department for Transport has published its ‘What Works’ report following the LSTF Programme (2011-2015). The report offers insights from local authority practitioners on (1) what was successful, (2) what challenges were encountered along the way and how these were overcome, and (3) lessons for the effective delivery of these types of project in the future.

The Department for Transport announced its selection of recipients for Access Fund and related grants on 26 January. Congratulations to those who were successful. For those who were unsuccessful this time, Act TravelWise has resources available that may help improve your proposals for the next opportunity. Act TravelWise would also like to play a role in e.g. fostering communication and co-ordination at the regional level among project managers of Access Fund projects, and with training for those new to running this type of project. A special three-year discounted membership arrangement has been set up for Access Fund recipients who are not already Act TravelWise members.