Fuel Card News Motoring Updates: £15 million to improve cyclist safety at dangerous junctions

Yesterday, transport minister Norman Baker announced a £15 million boost in funding to tackle the most dangerous junctions where cyclists have been killed or seriously injured.

Research in 2010 suggested that almost two thirds of cyclists killed or seriously injured were involved in collisions at, or near, a road junction.

Back in March transport authorities were given £15 million to improve road junctions in London. This latest investment of £15 million will be dedicated to enhancing the safety of junctions outside the capital.

Local authorities will need to submit bids to the Department of Transport in order for them to gain a share of the latest fund.

Baker said: "I am delighted to be able to provide today a further £15m to improve cycle safety, by enabling local authorities to tackle proven dangerous junctions. This investment - alongside a number of other initiatives we have progressed - will make our roads a safer place for everyone using them.

"Cycling is a fantastic way of getting fit, reducing congestion and improving the environment, and cyclist safety matters hugely."

However, sustainable transport charity Sustrans believes that £15 million is not enough to effectively improve the safety of cyclists across the country. Excluding London, there are nearly 400 local authorities across the country; either the money will be shared between all of them, in which case councils will receive an inadequate amount, or some authorities may not get a share of the money at all.

Malcolm Shepherd, chief executive of Sustrans, said: “Safety is the biggest concern for both cyclists and would-be cyclists so it’s about time the Government stepped in to make it safer to get around on two wheels.

“This investment is a small step in the right direction, but £15 million isn’t nearly enough to make it safe, easy and enjoyable for everyone to travel by bike – David Cameron must stick to his promise and invest a reasonable proportion of the Highways Agency budget in cycling for all.”

A verdict on how the money will be shared is expected to be announced in the autumn.

In other news, the 3p rise in fuel duty which was to take effect in August has been deferred until at least the end of the year.

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