Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted
DfT prioritised segregated cycle routes, neglecting integration with wider public transport modes.
Conclusion
We asked DfT why there had not been more focus on areas where integration was key to encouraging active travel. DfT told us that it had prioritised activity and investment on the areas where it felt it could have maximum impact on increasing rates of active travel. It explained that this included focusing on delivering segregated cycle routes in an attempt to address the safety barrier to people cycling. This activity was prioritised above integrating active travel with other transport modes such as rail, buses or trams. As a result, in places like Sheffield, we noted that it is not possible to take a bike onto a tram, limiting the options for how people can complete an end-to-end journey using these modes of transport. Concerns around a lack of safe bike parking facilities at train stations is one area where people may be dissuaded from cycling to a station to catch a train, and we asked DfT whether it had provided grants to increase safe parking facilities at stations. ATE and DfT told us that grants had been provided and furthermore that when local authorities bid for active travel funding, they may choose to spend some of the funds on cycle parking.50
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the implied recommendation and will encourage local authorities to invest in integrated transport solutions through new funding. By April 2024, DfT and ATE will agree how ATE's design tools and Inspectorate function can best support integration between active travel and public transport.
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.