West councils get £24m funding to promote green travel

Four councils in the West have been awarded £24m by the Department for Transport to promote green travel.

Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils hope encouraging people to use their cars less will reduce carbon emissions.

The scheme also aims to help people get fit and save money.

The councils will work to promote sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling, or car sharing.

Partnership programmes will be set up with local businesses, schools and universities and "travel teams" will be engaged to show support and offer people information on how to change their travel routines.

The total package including matched funding from the councils and other partners is worth approximately £40m.