More choice, less cash for Bromley transport (From News Shopper)

More choice, less cash for Bromley transport

10:08am Thursday 27th November 2008

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FUNDING totalling £3.9m is to be given to Bromley Council to improve transport in the borough — £1m less than last year.

While cash for all London boroughs is up to £168m from £161m this year, Bromley’s allocation for 2009/10 is down from £5m in 2008/9.

But for the first time, councils will have £100,000 to spend on transport as they choose.

The bulk of cash, which comes from Transport for London (TfL), will be spent on road resurfacing, 20mph zones, cycling networks and school travel plans.

There will be £660,000 to repair potholes and cracks along the A233 Oakley Road, Keston, and the A224 Court Road, Orpington.

Funding includes £535,000 to be spent on bicycle networks and cycle training as well as £200,000 for a 20mph zone in the area between Avalon Road and Ramsden Road, Orpington.

A further £455,000 has been allocated for school travel plans, which aim to reduce single occupancy car journeys to school, cut congestion and increase safety near schools.

Of this amount £40,000 will go to Coopers Technology College, Hawkwood Lane, Chislehurst, to widen roads around the school and build a pedestrian island.

There will also be £60,000 provided to lay a footpath in Leaves Green Road, Keston, and improve safety for pedestrians and bus users in the area.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “When I was elected I promised I would give greater freedom to the boroughs.”

Portfolio holder for environment and leisure Councillor Colin Smith said: “Although we’re a little disappointed, we recognise the bulk of the reduction is associated with budgets to bus and London Cycle route network measures, where the work has already been implemented locally in recent years.

“We’re delighted our bid for road safety monies has been settled in full.”

A TfL spokesman said: “The amount of funding allocated to each borough depends on individual case and merit.”

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