CPRE {1} has welcomed the Government's Local Transport Settlement {2} announced today.

The Settlement has allocated £1.6 billion to local highway authorities for 2006/07.  The money will be spent on:

• road maintenance (41%);
• sustainable transport measures (34%);
• major public transport and road schemes previously approved (13%); and
• 12% for new major public transport and road schemes to be announced in 2006. 

Paul Hamblin, CPRE's Head of Transport Policy, said:

'The investment in public transport and safety schemes is very welcome.  These are the sorts of measures we need to reduce our dependence on the car.  We just hope announcements in the New Year on major transport infrastructure projects won't be a sting in the tail resulting in lots more roads across the countryside.'

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Sir Max Hastings. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.

2. The Local Transport Settlement has been announced today by Transport Secretary of State Alistair Darling.  The Settlement sets out how the £1.6 billion for local transport will be allocated amongst highway authorities (County Councils, Metropolitan Authorities and Unitary Authorities) for the next financial year. Each Highway Authority has produced a five year Local Transport Plan that sets out how it intends to spend the money in that year, and what it needs for the following four years.