COUNTY Durham is set to see the benefits of a multi-million pound investment in green transport that will be rolled out across the region this year.

Go Smarter, an initiative created in 2011 to encourage people to use buses, bicycles, trains instead of cars was successfully launched throughout Tyne and Wear and Northumberland as part of the Sustainable Travel Transition Year fund.

And an extra £2.34 million boost from the Department for Transport (DfT) will see the Go Smarter to Work programme expanded across the A19 and key employment sites in Durham.

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.

“The North-East’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 funding will allow the Schools Go Smarter programme to be extended into schools in Durham, and to complement other projects that have already secured different sources of funding.

Jobseekers in the area will now also be actively encouraged to adopt these travel choices when travelling to jobs, education and training.