Communities up and down the UK are set to benefit from government funding that will tackle pinch points that clog traffic flow on local roads.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced almost €95 million of further funding to remove these bottlenecks, building on the €224 million already allocated earlier this year to similar local congestion-busting schemes throughout the UK. Of that €95 million, almost €30 million in government funding has been awarded to 15 schemes to help tackle the issue on local road networks.

The Secretary of State also invited local councils to submit bids for a share of the remaining €65 million made available. Many of the improvements are expected to be delivered in 2014 and 2015. Since March 2013 the government has provided over €253 million to local authorities, which has enabled local transport improvements of over €400 million to go ahead.

The fund reflects the government’s commitment to supporting economic growth by tackling barriers on the local highway network that may be restricting the movement of goods and people. The fund is aimed at those schemes that can be delivered quickly with immediate impact.

Photo: Patrick McLoughlin