AM welcomes funding to improve Active Travel and road safety outside schools

Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has welcomed the news that £420,000 has been awarded to Swansea Council by the Welsh Government to improve road safety measures around schools and progress Swansea Urban Connections City centre schemes.
 
The schemes will accelerate delivery of a range of active travel improvements linked to Welsh Government transport priorities in and support of the landmark Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013.
 
Rebecca Evans AM said: “Improving the infrastructure to ensure that it is as easy, safe and enjoyable as possible for pupils to walk or cycle to school is really important.
 
“Wales received international acclaim and recognition for its world-leading Active Travel legislation for good reason. Walking or cycling gets the school day off to a great start, and as well as being good for the environment and a way of tackling traffic build-up, it can also help boost pupils’ concentration and attainment.”
 
Economy and Transport Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said: “We face major challenges in securing our nation’s physical and mental well-being, both now and for our future generations. Increasing opportunities to safely walk and cycle is a key commitment for the Welsh Government and these schemes offer a very straightforward way of achieving multiple benefits.
 
“They present a great opportunity to build physical activity into our everyday lives and bring with them associated health improvements, a reduction in motorised traffic and  decreases in air pollution, carbon emissions and congestion. These projects will also help people and communities feel safer and more connected.”
 
Fifty-four Active Travel and road safety schemes across Wales will receive a share of over £8m.

Notes to Editors
 
Full allocation for Swansea below:
 

• Llangyfelach Road to Cwm Level Road, SRIC Grant Scheme, £110,300 allocated to construct a plateau at the existing puffin crossing, provision of new puffin crossing, provision of a controlled crossing, 20 mph zone. Pentrehafod Comprehensive School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Brynhyfryd Primary School, Waun Wen Primary School.
• Gower, SRIC Grant Scheme, £108,000 allocated to a range of schools, footway/cycleway provision linking much of the school catchment located in the Mayals and West Cross area with the school campus, toucan crossing, speed reduction. Bishopston Comprehensive, Bishopston, Knelston, Llanrhidian, Pennard, Crwys Primaries.
• Swansea Urban Connections  LTF Grant Scheme, £200,000 allocated for accelerated works of existing Swansea city centre schemes.