Low carbon schemes will include new stations and infrastructure works

New stations and transport infrastructure schemes will be among £155m of transport projects given the go-ahead by the Department for Transport yesterday.

39 projects with the purpose of providing economic growth and reducing carbon emissions have been given the go ahead under the plans.

The projects, which will affect eight regions and 35 local authorities, will aim to significantly reduce traffic delays that cost the economy £11 billion a year in urban areas alone, as well as to tackle the issues of poor air quality and noise pollution. The projects will include the promotion of infrastructure for electric vehicles, as well as the improvement of bus and rail services.

In Stratford upon Avon the funding will be used to pay for a new rail station and supporting train services and a walking and cycling facility to link the station with key residential and employment areas.

Transport Minister Norman Baker claimed that the projects “will help build strong local economies while addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.” He added that “even more funding” will be announced next summer following a second round of bids.