Cash bonus for transport services

A South West council has been given an extra £2m by the government for its transport performance.

Cornwall County Council said it received the cash bonus as a reward for the way it provides local transport.

Authorities receive a local transport settlement to tackle congestion, improve safety and increase cycling, walking and public transport use.

Cornwall's total allocation for 2006 -2007 is about £23m. The money is also used to maintain the road network.

Vital infrastructure

The council has been rated amongst the top 16 authorities in the country, who have been allocated the extra money to enable them to build on their success.

It was commended in a letter from Richard Bayley, the regional transport director, for a number of substantial achievements.

Mr Bayley said: "The authority has clearly invested time, money and effort in understanding the role of transport. The analysis of local problems is extensive and well evidenced."

Richard Fish, the council's Director of Planning, Transportation and Estates, said he was delighted with Cornwall's success.

"This demonstrates the importance of transport to the well being of Cornwall, and emphasises just how vital it is that the county's transport infrastructure is properly maintained", he said.