Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted
DfT, ATE, and local authorities are key partners for delivering active travel policy.
Conclusion
DfT has overall responsibility for active travel policy in England and ATE is now responsible for delivering against DfT’s objectives to increase active travel by 2025. Local authorities are key delivery partners who deliver active travel infrastructure in local areas to support increased uptake of active travel. Other organisations are funded by ATE and DfT to deliver behaviour change schemes, such as the Bikeability Programme.48 Joining up active travel with other modes of transport
Government Response Summary
The government agreed, outlining new Network North funding for integrated transport solutions. By April 2024, DfT and ATE will agree on how ATE design tools will support active travel and public transport integration, and how the Inspectorate will review these schemes.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2024 5.2 The Prime Minister announced new funding for local transport (‘Network North’) on 4 October 2023. This represents a significant and long-term increase in funding for many local authorities and the department will encourage them to invest in integrated local transport solutions. 5.3 ATE will ensure that any funding for active travel delivered via Network North is compliant with applicable design standards, that it is value for money and is appropriately linked in with the wider transport network. This has already been agreed in correspondence between the Secretary of State for Transport and Chris Boardman (active travel commissioner and chair of ATE) and mirrors the approach taken by ATE in respect of other grant funding, such as the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements. 5.4 By April 2024, the department and ATE will reach a clear and agreed position on how ATE design tools for local authorities can be best utilised to support integration between active travel and public transport. This will include how ATE will prioritise its Inspectorate function to review schemes intended to integrate active travel and other forms of transport.