Time to apply for Headington transport cash

As part of the Travel Choices initiative, business travel grants are being offered to encourage people coming to their site to travel in more sustainable ways and promote travel by public transport, walking, cycling or lift sharing to reduce congestion in the area.

Oxfordshire County Council is inviting bids of up to £15,000 from businesses, big or small, as well as public sector organisations, charities or community groups towards sustainable transport projects.

The money is part of the £5m Department for Transport (DfT) Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) pot which was given to Oxfordshire County Council in 2011. The application process is now open and closes on 1 August 2014.

To be eligible for a grant, businesses need to show they are committed to matching the grant by undertaking activities that complement the application, such as employee travel surveys and actively promoting sustainable transport to employees and visitors to the site.

The types of project which could be eligible include new cycle parking, designated parking spaces for car sharers, walking and cycling signage improvements, and lighting and security improvements on walking and cycling routes.

County Councillor David Nimmo Smith, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said: “Sustainable transport isn't just about big changes to the road systems or park and rides.

“There is just more than a month to apply, so now would be the best time to find out more to allow some time to put a bid together.

“The Business Travel Grant Scheme is open to all businesses, as well as public sector organisations, which are registered or based in Headington. Applicants can also work in partnership with other businesses on joint applications for projects which will benefit them all.”

For further information and to apply for a Business Travel Grant, go to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/businesstravelgrants