Funding boost for sustainable travel projects
Projects that promote sustainable travel across Essex, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea could benefit from grants of up to £20,000, thanks to a new scheme funded by the Department for Transport.
‘ForwardMotion’ aims to reduce reliance on cars by funding projects that encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport. The scheme is open to voluntary organisations and community groups, who have until 1 March to submit their applications.
Funds will be allocated towards supporting:
- Group or individual activity schemes
- Volunteer-led opportunities in active travel-focused activities
- Events that encourage sustainable travel
- Arts, culture and community projects that engage residents through cycling, walking or public transport
Cllr Andrew Moring, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “In our busy day-to-day modern lives it is often more convenient to jump into the car to commute or complete errands.
“But cycling or walking can improve health and wellbeing and is a very cheap form of travel. In addition cycling, walking and public transport are all more environmentally friendly ways of travelling.”
Cllr Aaron Watkins, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for environment and highways, added: “We want to encourage residents in Thurrock to rely less on cars and think about using different ways of travel, such as cycling, walking and public transport.
“As well as the numerous health and well-being benefits that these travel options can offer, they are all more environmentally friendly and can be cheaper, too.”
More information about the scheme and the types of projects it will support can be found on the ForwardMotion website. The deadline for grant applications is 5pm on Friday 1 March 2019.
20 February 2019