Wiltshire Council has been awarded £3,169,878 over four years to improve active travel routes, as part of the Government’s integrated and consolidated transport settlements. The funding will support the development of new and improved footpaths, cycle lanes, and junctions – making walking, wheeling and cycling a more appealing and safer choice for local communities. It will also support the planning of new cycling and walking networks, scheme design and training.
This is great news for Salisbury as it means that there will be improved infrastructure in the city to promote walking, wheeling and cycling in the city. Routes that are to be improved include Green Lane from Long Hedge to the city (already designed) as well routes from Quidhampton to Salisbury and Wilton to Fugglestone.
Most interesting in the press release that accompanied this announcement is that Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said “However, we have more work to do to, and therefore I am working hard to improve our Active Travel England (ATE) rating so we can secure more funding over the coming years and invest in more cycling and walking routes.”
ATE assess how effective authorities are at delivering the changes needed to support the objectives set out in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy and the ratings focus primarily on local leadership and organisational capability, network planning and delivery.
Cllr Smith has much work to do as the capability rating for Wiltshire Council was a 1.0 in 2024 and in 2025 remains at 1.0. Improving the capability rating will generate increased funding in Wiltshire. However, to achieve this Cllr Smith and his colleagues must demonstrate strong local leadership and organisational capability, comprehensive plans, and put in place a significant network with a growing number of people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle. We look forward to seeing how Cllr Smith progresses and to seeing Wiltshire Council improve their current status with Active Travel England.
