Half-a-million-pound deal set to be approved will turn Milton Keynes into 'one of the greenest cities in the world'

MK councillors are due at a meeting today (Tuesday, October 6) where they are reportedly going to give the green-light to the deal. .

An MK Council spokesperson said the plans are in place to encourage more people in Milton Keynes to cycle, walk, scoot or use public transport, to build on a rise of public participation in greener, people-powered journeys.

The spokesperson said the latest figures show that since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there’s been an increase of almost 60 per cent of people cycling in some areas of MK.

Councillor Lauren Townsend said: “We want these new initiatives to encourage people to change their behaviours and feel confident that Milton Keynes is set up for greener travel for everyone.

"The benefits are big - reducing single occupancy car use, a lower impact on the environment, improved health and fitness, and tools to help residents find and explore some of our incredible hidden gems across the city. We aim to make it easier for everyone to travel around MK, particularly on foot, bike and public transport.”

The council spokesperson said: "As well as helping MK take a further step towards becoming one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in the world, the proposed package aims to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing.

"This feeds into the overall post-covid economic recovery plan by encouraging people to use active forms of transport to commute to work and school, explore our many green spaces and visit all the wonderful independent shops and eateries hidden across MK, all whilst improving fitness levels and enjoying the great outdoors."

MK Council said it would commit to investing in the right infrastructure, supplementing existing schemes and working with local partners to get the action plan moving swiftly.

According to the council, new plans include:

Providing small grants to workplaces to encourage staff to adopt sustainable transport;

Access to bike schemes – providing access to bikes for people that are unemployed, on low incomes or whose circumstances make them vulnerable

More security cameras and activated flood lights at key transport interchanges such as Station Square, Bletchley Station and the Coachway to ensure people feel safe

Using the unique redway system for guided Centre:MK walks and mobile film screenings, to open them up to people who may otherwise not use them

Improving the Get Smarter Travel website, journey planner and interactive map and developing an MK Transport App integrating all mobility providers in MK on to one platform.