Be First, the Council’s successful regeneration arm, have secured just over £4 million in funding from TfL, on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council.
The funding is part of TfL’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP) programme which aims to improve all forms of transport across the capital, from cycle ways to bus lanes as well as to improve air quality and Londoners’ health.
The sum, the highest amount given to a London borough in this round of funding, will go towards improving road safety, bus lanes, cycling infrastructure and much more to improve transport in Barking & Dagenham.
The amount received is nearly double the amount Be First has secured previously for the council.
The Transport Team at Be First will lead delivery, with nearly £3 million going towards bus lanes and carriageway improvements and £230k will go towards developing the borough’s cycle network and training.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a much-needed boost for the people of Barking and Dagenham, following years of government underfunding for transport in our borough.
“Whilst it may a big figure, this will only go a small way to addressing the number of transport issues we face in Barking and Dagenham, and we will continue to lobby central government for more funds to ensure transport in our borough improves.”
Tim Thomas, Head of Transport Policy at Be First said: “The LIPs funding is a welcome boost to deliver improved transport links in the borough. We’ve worked hard to make the case for this extra funding, drawing up studies and a vision which is at last taking shape.
“Cllr Rodwell is right though, it’s just the start of the 10-year vision to improve rail, buses and the A13 . These are exciting times ahead, we encourage residents, businesses and the development community to get involved in helping us plan for the future.”
