A £1 MILLION cash injection is set to improve green transport links across the Tees Valley to support the 30 per cent of residents who do not own a car.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced yesterday (May 27) that the six-figure sum would be handed over to the region to make travelling easier on foot or by bus, bicycle, or train.

The Sustainable Transport Transition fund aims to support the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s vision to boost the region’s economy by encouraging residents to travel to work on public transport.

Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton will all benefit from the £1 million grant that will also help to reduce the region’s congestion and carbon emissions.

Councillor Sue Jeffrey, chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: “Sustainable transport is key for Tees Valley economic growth as it offers more people the facilities to travel for work.

“The Sustainable Transport Transition Year funding will be used to create more reliable and attractive public transport across the five areas in the Combined Authority.

“Also, an important aim for the Tees Valley is to create a high value low carbon economy by reducing congestion and carbon emissions across the region, which Connect Tees Valley will help to facilitate.”

The percentage of people who do not own a car across the Tees Valley area is five per cent higher than the national average.

But the Sustainable Transport Transition fund will be used to plug the gap so that public transport is equally-accessible across the region.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority also added that improving walking and cycling links across its five authorities will help to promote healthier and more active lifestyles.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Green transport cuts congestion and improves air quality. It also offers the cheapest and healthiest way for people to access jobs and education.

“Tees Valley’s green travel scheme will make a real difference for residents and help provide better air quality for everyone.

“Our £21 million funding across England shows we are committed to improving lives through investment in sustainable transport.”

The £1 million award is expected to be used alongside the Local Growth Fund to develop the Connect Tees Valley sustainable transport project 2016/17.