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Key figures to see North East travel revolution

The success of a transport scheme to ease congestion in a North East market town has inspired a visit from two of the country’s most senior transport figures. Transport Minister Tom Harris and Cycling England chairman Philip Darnton will visit Darlington on Thursday. Among the main items on their agenda will be the success of the Local Motion campaign - aimed at getting more people to leave the car behind in favour of walking, cycling and public transport – and work on safe cycling in schools.

Darlington was one of just six towns across the country to receive £1.5m worth of funding from Cycling England to help encourage more people to cycle in the town. New cycle paths are being installed, schoolchildren are being urged to get into the saddle and safety training is being given, as well as a host of other initiatives. Latest figures show that the number of children cycling to school in Darlington is now five times the national average.

Nick Wallis, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I am delighted that two of the country’s leading transport figures will be getting a good look at the excellent work being undertaken in the town. “The Council is supporting various schemes, from Local Motion and the Cycling Demonstration Town, to encouraging more schools to draw up their own travel plans. I am sure Mr Harris and Mr Darnton will be impressed with what they see.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .