Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Pam Newby, Exeter 383654, December 18,2006

The Government has allocated £33.197million to be spent on improving local transport provision across Devon next year.

The figure has been set as a direct result of Devon County Council's performance over the past five years and the proposals set out in the Devon Local Transport Plan 2006-2011.

Since 2001 in excess of £220 million of investment has been directed at improving local transport, including:

• Implementation of 209 targeted road safety schemes complemented by road safety training and awareness which have helped reduce the number of killed or seriously injured casualties by 24% and the number of children killed or seriously injured by 71%.

• Investment in public transport including improvements to waiting facilities and the roll out of low floor buses which has helped boost patronage to over 20 million passenger journeys per year.

• Investment in cycling infrastructure which has seen cycling increase by 113%, not only for leisure but for commuter journeys too.

All nationally set targets have either been met or are 'on track' to be met as are 90% of local targets. Such achievements have resulted in Devon County Council being scored as 'Excellent' for local transport delivery in the past five years, being judged as Local Transport Authority of the Year and receiving Beacon Status for Road Safety.

The Devon Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 detailing proposals for the next five years focuses on:

• Tackling congestion
• Improving accessibility
• Making roads safer
• Improving air quality
• Improving opportunities for sustainable recreation, leisure and tourism
• Promoting health and well being
• Improving public spaces

The schemes and initiatives range in size. They include innovative approaches to improve access to town centres from rural areas, increasing travel awareness and encouraging sustainable travel. The five year plan also provides a preliminary overview of major scheme proposals for improving transport conditions in and around Exeter as well as the Kingskerswell Bypass.

During 2006/07 £8.125 million will be spent on local transport schemes with the remaining £25.072 million being directed at capital maintenance schemes.

The funding announcement represents almost £5 million above what had previously been expected and the bulk of this will be added to the planned expenditure on improving public transport. Today's announcement also marks a new approach to funding local transport infrastructure, previously all of the funding allocation had been approval to borrow, now this will fall to 75% with the remainder funded by direct grant, therefore lessening the pressure on the Devon County Council revenue budget.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Executive Member for Environment welcomed the news. "I am delighted to hear that Devon County Council's track record in local transport delivery has been recognised and we have been awarded this level of funding. It is paramount that we build on this success and implement the Devon Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 as well, if not better,than the first five year plan. The new funding regime is good news and we will continue to press for 100% grant award in the future."

As part of its announcement, the Government has also given gradings to local authorities Local Transport Plans.

Commenting on the assessment, Director of Environment, Economy Culture, Edward Chorlton, said: "We are surprised and disappointed about the rating of 'fair' and find it difficult to understand. We are seeking a meeting with the Government Office South West early in the new year to discuss this assessment. Our track record has been assessed as excellent in previous reviews."

Note to Editors:

For more information contact the Media PR Service on 01392 383290 or 383654.

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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