Work to begin 'soon' on multi-million projects to improve green transport in Dumfries and Galloway
The UK Government's Department for Transport has confirmed that £13.8 million worth of Levelling Up funding will be coming to Dumfries and Galloway.
Work will begin 'soon' on three multi-million projects aimed at improving Dumfries and Galloway's green transport links.
The UK Government's Department for Transport has confirmed that £13.8 million worth of Levelling Up funding announced two years ago will be coming to the region.
That means the council can push on with plans to introduce electric vehicle travel hubs and more electric buses, as well as improve cycle routes.
Dumfries and Galloway Council leader, Gail Macgregor, said: 'I'm delighted to learn that we will soon be able to start work on a range of exciting transport projects across the region. The Transport Levelling Up Fund will build on the success of funding received from earlier rounds of the Levelling Up Fund in 2023, which enabled the council to deliver several projects including Dalbeattie Rocks and Wheels at a former primary school; the Stranraer watersports hub; redevelopment of the former George Hotel and improvements at Annan Harbour.
'As well as providing a significant economic boost to the region, this funding will make a real difference to residents, helping to join up journeys and offering more opportunities for people to walk, wheel or cycle as part of those journeys, especially in rural areas.'
The funding will be provided in the current financial year to help three transport projects which aim to make greener transport more accessible to residents and visitors.
One project will see the creation of 'multi-modal transport hubs'. These will be povided across the region, to link in with bus and rail services and also offer e-bikes and electric car club vehicles to hire. Public charging points will also be provided.
The council also plans to introduce new electric buses and charging points and upgrade bus stops so that real time information can be improved.
And the cash will also be used to improve cycle routes, with plans to upgrade the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast routes among the proposed upgrades.
Councillorr Macgregor added: 'Encouraging residents and visitors alike to use sustainable forms of transport, especially sustainable public transport and active travel, will have several benefits, including better personal health and wellbeing, reduced air pollution and congestion and an improved local economy. It will also contribute to our aim of becoming a net zero carbon emission region.'
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