BCP Council and Dorset Council are one of only 12 locations in England to secure a share of the government’s £100 million plus Transforming Cities Fund to provide the two ‘connectivity corridors’.

In addition, the funding will provide four cycleways – from Bournemouth to Christchurch; from Bournemouth to Ferndown; from Wareham to Poole and from north Poole to Poole Town Centre.

There will also be new bus stops, lighting, ‘smart’ traffic and improved real-time information; a new local travel app and ‘smart ticketing’ across bus operators; cycle facilities for businesses, schools, colleges and universities; improved pavement access for people with mobility needs; upgraded wayfinding and the introduction of e-bikes.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council said, “The proposed locations for the new connectivity corridors and cycleways mark the start of a remarkable transformation in how we will be able to travel around the region. This major £100 million investment in sustainable infrastructure will make walking, cycling and travelling by bus significantly more attractive.  This is good not only for people’s health and wellbeing, but will also help address congestion hotspots, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.”

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said, “Our roads are too congested, we are over reliant on cars, particularly for short journeys, yet current sustainable travel options are limited and unappealing. These plans will give people safer, quicker and environmentally-friendly travel choices and help facilitate a greener, healthier and better-connected region, supporting both our economy and planet.”