The government has today (Monday 26 February) announced that local transport authorities (LTAs) in the North will receive £2.5 billion in Local Transport Funding (LTF) over the next seven years, from April 2025. This is a commitment, rather than an actual allocation.

Warrington has been earmarked £121.25m, covering the period 2025 to 2026 until 2031 to 2032, which could be used to deliver several key projects, including:

•            ‘First and Last Mile’ Connectivity Plan corridor investment – including new bus priority routes, enhanced active travel provision, and associated public realm improvements in and around the town centre.

•            Active Travel investment – to deliver corridor improvements in line with the council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), with projects which enhance walking and cycling across the borough.

•            Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) - to build on the tremendous success of Warrington’s BSIP which has increased bus services, reduced fares and where greater priority is to be given to bus services to speed them up to help to further increase passenger numbers.

•            Zero Emission Bus Fleet enhancements – a plan to move from 85% electrification of Warrington’s buses (through the forthcoming replacement of Warrington’s Own Buses entire diesel fleet) to 100% electrification, by working with the borough’s remaining bus operators on infrastructure and vehicles.

•            Investment in Warrington Bus Interchange. The council has already invested in the replacement of the roof replacement, but further investment could be made into the bus bays/stands, information facilities, back-office facilities and the concourse floor, to ensure the interchange is fit for the future.

•            Further investment into network management in the borough to keep the traffic moving, including new traffic signal technology, and junction upgrades at key pinch points, addressing traffic congestion issues and with a focus on active travel and bus priority.

Warrington Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “This commitment from the government is welcome news for Warrington. The funding will enable us to deliver a range of key transport projects in the coming years to improve connectivity and keep our town moving. The resources will only be available from April 2025 and we hope that after the General Election, regardless of the outcome, this commitment will remain.

“We’re fully committed to supporting residents and businesses with the right transport infrastructure, which aligns with Warrington’s ongoing growth. Much has been achieved in recent years, but this funding will enable us to further enhance our network, improve walking and cycling facilities and drive up the quality of public transport.

“This, is turn, will support our work to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, achieve healthier and more vibrant communities, and ensure our roads are safer and more accessible for all."

The Local Transport Fund is aimed at funding a wide range of projects to improve the local transport connections that people rely on, particularly across towns, villages, and rural areas.

Warrington is required to use its funding in line with the three priorities set out by the government, which are to: 

•            drive better connectivity within our towns, suburbs, and cities.

•            drive better connectivity between our towns and cities.

•            improve everyday local journeys for people.