A number of constituents have contacted me regarding Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs).

Spending per head on cycling and walking has more than trebled since 2010, and that about £2 billion is now being invested in cycling and walking over the current Parliament, through the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment strategy and additional investments by local councils and metro mayors.

I share the Government’s view that cycling and walking should be the natural choices for short journeys, or as part of longer journeys, by 2040. As you know, increasing levels of active travel has enormous benefits, especially for reducing road congestion and improving air quality.

It is the responsibility of local authorities to identify and prioritise investment for cycling and walking schemes from local funds and relevant national funding streams. Ministers have published guidance on the preparation of LCWIPs to support local bodies that are interested in increasing cycling and walking in their local areas take a more strategic approach to improving cycling and walking conditions. You may wish to contact your East Sussex County Councillor to find out what their cycling and walking plans are for your area as well as across the County.  I will always give my full support to any schemes and/or funding requests which the County Council puts forward.

The Department for Transport is also providing a £2 million package of technical and strategic support to 46 local authorities to assist with the preparation of LCWIPs.