Transport Minister announces new fund for walking, cycling and sustainable travel

The Minister for Transport and The Islands, Humza Yousaf, announced the new Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund at this year’s Active Travel Conference in Perth.

The Open Fund was announced as an exciting expansion of Paths for All’s existing SCSP programme, which has enabled Scottish local authorities to implement active and sustainable travel behaviour change programmes over the past 4 years.

This new £2million funding will be available for public, community and third sector organisations that want to change people’s everyday travel behaviour. The grants will be between £5000 and £50,000 and will require to be match funded.

Humza Yousaf MSP said:

“I am pleased to announce that an additional £2 million Smarter Choices Smarter Places Open Fund launches in June.  We have doubled the active travel budget for 2018/2019 and for the next two years in order to realise our ambition to build an Active Nation.

“This new behaviour change fund responds to requests from third sector and community organisations, alongside a wide range of public agencies, who believe they can contribute to the sustainable travel agenda.

“Grants of between £5000 and £50,000 will be available to support ideas which encourage people to consider and widen the range of everyday travel options they take – whether by foot, bike, public or shared transport.”

The funding is expected to not only make improvements to the health of the nation, but it will also reduce emissions and traffic congestion.

Ian Findlay, Chief Officer at Paths for All said:

“We’re really pleased to increase the potential of our Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme by expanding it and offering funding to other stakeholders and organisations.

“Creating opportunities for more people to walk and cycle for everyday short journeys and choose sustainable options for longer journeys will not only improve the health of the nation, but it will help to create safer communities and reduce environmental impacts. Increased active travel helps to create robust local communities where people feel more connected.

“We’re looking forward to working alongside the successful organisations of the new Open Fund, supporting them to create a happier, healthier Scotland.”

Paths for All are accepting Expressions of Interest for the SCSP Open Fund from interested applicants. For more details visit www.pathsforall.org.uk