Liberal Democrat Transport Minister Norman Baker has announced a £266m investment in local green transport schemes, bringing the total invested to more than £1bn.

The Liberal Democrat Local Sustainable Transport Fund was announced in 2010 following the Coalition commitment to “support sustainable travel initiatives, including the promotion of cycling and walking”. The fund supports projects across the country that will bring local economic growth while cutting carbon emissions from travel.

Commenting, Co-Chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party Committee on Transport, Julian Huppert said:

“For two decades Liberal Democrats have called for proper support for green transport. Our support for active transport, such as walking and cycling, has been unrelenting. It’s sustainable, cheap and good for you, but successive Governments have consistently ignored our calls.

“I am delighted to see Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government delivering proper investment to promote growth and cut carbon emissions.

“With a large cycling component in most of these funds, the Coalition is investing hundreds of millions to promote cycling.

“Local, sustainable growth is what the country needs right now, and it’s what we’re delivering.”