Local grants for sustainable transport projects

A total of up to £2 million grant funding is being made available for local sustainable transport projects in communities.

Bristol communities are being given the opportunity to bid for up to a maximum £100,000 contribution towards local transport schemes.

The grant could also be used as a contribution towards more expensive schemes, if additional sources of money are available (e.g. a devolved neighbourhood transport grant or a Section 106 agreement grant with a local developer). Grants can support a one-off initiative or used as ‘seed’ money to pilot a longer-term project.

Cllr Tim Kent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is a great opportunity for communities across the city to fund or kickstart local transport schemes.

“I’m confident that there are many excellent projects and ideas out there to improve transport in local areas I’d urge as many groups as possible to come forward and apply.” 

The council is looking for two main types of submissions

- Transport infrastructure schemes that the council can build within local areas. We are looking for schemes that improve accessibility, safety and quality of life in Bristol and will enable more people to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Schemes that support Safer Routes to School perhaps capitalising on the city’s new 20mph zones, are particularly welcomed.

- Requests for grants for projects or activities to be delivered by communities. The Neighbourhood Grant can be spent on projects (for example building cycle facilities within a community centre) and could also support initiatives, events, or activities.

Funding applications are encouraged from, local resident groups, traders’ associations, voluntary and community groups, statutory organisations and Neighbourhood Partnerships.

There will be two bidding rounds,

• The first round opens in June 2012 and closes at the end of July 2012
• The second round opens in January 2013 and closes in March 2013. 

All projects need to be implemented before April 2015. 

For further information about the grants or application process, contact Janine McCretton on 0117 903 6745, Gill Calloway on 0117 903 6707, or email City Transport on city.transport@bristol.gov.uk