Crawley MP welcomes Government’s £2.05m extra investment in local transport

Peter Lamb, the Labour MP for Crawley, has welcomed the Labour Government’s £2.05m investment in West Sussex transport, better connecting residents to jobs, education, and public services.

The new funding for highways authorities gives councils the power to improve local public transport and to launch schemes that will boost growth and prioritise the transport options which matter most to their communities. These projects could include new zero-emission buses, improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and making streets safer with improved lighting and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

This comes as part of a broader government announcement, providing towns and rural areas across the country an additional £104m to improve local transport. This is a key part of the government’s wider £2.3bn investment to support local transport connections, helping to drive growth and access to opportunity.

The funding will also ensure councils can manage the delivery of projects that improve journeys to work, shops, and essential services across towns and rural areas, helping to grow local economies as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

Peter Lamb, Member of Parliament for Crawley, said:

“Of all the public services, there are few we depend upon on a daily basis as much as transport. Without effective transport infrastructure people cannot get to work, access essential services, or enjoy their leisure time.

Despite transport sitting at the heart of everything we look to Government to deliver, transport infrastructure has been allowed to decay for too long. I’m glad that the new Labour Government has recognised this and decided to invest this money in our local area.”

Labour’s Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

“Good transport connections are the foundation of thriving communities, which is why we’re backing local authorities to transform journeys for millions of people across England.

“This investment will help councils to improve transport for local people – from cleaner buses to safer cycling routes – connecting communities with jobs, education and essential services. By putting resources directly into the hands of local leaders, we’re ensuring every part of the country benefits from better transport links that support economic growth and provide opportunity – all part of our Plan for Change.”

The investment provides unprecedented support for local transport improvements that support the Government’s Plan for Change, driving growth and access to opportunity.

Today’s £104 million resource allocation boost for local authorities follows the Government’s commitment of £2.2 billion, providing them with multi-year funding certainty to improve transport in their communities.