4th September - Jack Abbott Welcomes £30 Million Funding for Local Transport

I know that good local transport links are a lifeline for so many people.

Reliable bus routes, safer roads to drive on, better accessibility – all these things are vital to making sure people can get to work, visit family and friends or take up urgent appointments.

After years of brutal cuts to local transport, I am pleased that our Labour Government is providing nearly £30 million in funding to transform services in Ipswich and Suffolk.

 £30 million investment will help improve transport and deliver cleaner, safer journeys for communities across the region.

The funding, part of a national package targeting better local transport links, has been welcomed by Ipswich MP Jack Abbott, who said it would “give people greater access to jobs, education and public services.”

Mr Abbott said: “In Ipswich and Suffolk, we know that good local transport links are a lifeline for so many people.

“Reliable bus routes, safer roads to drive on, better accessibility – all these things are vital to making sure people can get to work, visit friends or take up urgent appointments.”

Suffolk County Council will receive £27.08 million over four years through the Local Transport Grant, alongside £607,000 a year in additional resource funding, totalling £1.8 million.

The funding will support projects including road upgrades, pedestrian crossings, zero-emission buses, and improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, said the investment forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, a £2.3 billion programme to strengthen transport connections and support economic growth.

Ms Alexander said: “Good transport connections are the foundation of thriving communities, which is why we’re backing local authorities to transform journeys for millions of people across England.

“This investment will help councils to improve transport for local people – from cleaner buses to safer cycling routes – connecting communities with jobs, education and essential services.

“By putting resources directly into the hands of local leaders, we’re ensuring every part of the country benefits from better transport links that support economic growth and provide opportunity – all part of our Plan for Change.”

The announcement follows confirmation that planned upgrades to the A12 east of Ipswich will also move forward, further strengthening the region’s transport infrastructure.