Dumfries and Galloway Council successful in Levelling Up Fund ‘Transport’ bid.

Dumfries and Galloway Council are very pleased to have received confirmation today from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities at the UK Government on the success of our ‘Transport’ bid of up to £13,752,000 following UK Gov confirmation.

The strategic focus for the Transport Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid was on ‘sustainable connectivity’ across the region, combining different elements to provide a ‘metro style’ interconnected access offer in our rural region. The metro concept is an important part of bringing this scheme together as one offer, not just for the purposes of the bid, but to aid future understanding by residents, businesses and visitors, whether that be between pedestrians, cyclists, rail, bus or car.

Now that we are to receive the funding, the plan is to address:

· Access to ‘green’ energy for transport and therefore future transportation for all;
· Improve quality of the region’s bus fleet; and
· Create electric vehicle transport hubs that work effectively to help regenerate
centres providing better amenity for both residents and tourists.

Our Council’s aim is to enable both local journeys and cross-region trips to be made using electric vehicles. In an environment where technology is rapidly evolving this means that Dumfries and Galloway needs to continue to ensure our required infrastructure is present at the necessary “pace”. The scheme has significant environmental, social and economic benefit, and additionally links well with wider Borderlands and SWestrans initiatives.

Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “I am delighted to hear this, along with Dumfries and Galloway Council’s other successful Constituency LUF bid, and in addition to our earlier success this week with our share of the £36 million award towards 5G provision for Stranraer Harbour, these are all huge boosts for our region.

“As part of our Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration we must act now to address the use of sustainable environmentally friendly transport options to accelerate our drive to be a Net Zero carbon emission region. Part of this is also to promote the increased use of public transport and provide more electric buses and improved bus stop infrastructure at stops along core routes, linking into EV Travel Hubs.