Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking & Dagenham Council, has received millions in funding to support the borough’s transport infrastructure plans. The funds, received from Transport for London, total £4.8 million – the highest amount in Barking & Dagenham’s history and the most of any London borough in the 2024/25 financial year – and will go towards enhancing the borough’s bus networks, as well as improving known traffic hot spots and local cycling infrastructure.
The £4.8 million pot is more than a 240% increase in funding from Transport for London compared to funding received in the 2019/20 financial year. Transport for London allocates funds to all London boroughs to support the delivery of Local Implementation Plans (LIPs) – the Plans incorporate projects that support the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy.
Within the funding allocation, £3.1 million is prioritised for local bus networks – one of the biggest pots for bus networks in the whole of London and represents a quarter of all bus network funding allocated by Transport for London for LIPs.
Additionally, £638,000 has been allocated towards improving local cycling infrastructure – more than a 170% increase on funding for cycling infrastructure in the borough in the previous financial year.
Some of the priority projects that Be First will be focusing on as part of the funding are:
- Improvement of the A406 roundabout
- Road safety improvements on Western Avenue and Gale Street
- Valence Avenue designs to be progressed to incorporate cycling infrastructure
- Continuation of the School Streets programme (roll out beginning Autumn 2024)
- Improving Longbridge Road for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians
Tim Thomas, Head of Transport, Infrastructure and Policy Planning at Be First, said: “Receiving this record level of funding is testament to Be First’s outstanding delivery record. Being an outer London borough, it is crucial we have a robust transport network to facilitate growth and accessibility within the borough while promoting active travel and reducing our residents’ reliance on cars, but still developing plans to tackle congestion hot spots such as the A13 and A406 junctions. We’re delighted to receive this funding and look forward to progressing the projects that will improve local transport infrastructure for residents.”
Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “We’re always working hard to make sure our residents get the best deal, so for us to successfully receive a record amount of investment for transport is very heartening.
“Improving local transport infrastructure is key as our borough grows and I’m glad that whether you’re a cyclist, walker, use public transport or drive a car, there’s something in this investment for you.”
