HAMPSHIRE County Council has won £440,000 funding from the Government to promote green forms of transport in rural areas.

Rob Humby, the county council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “This funding will help us build on the successful partnerships we’ve established, improvements we’ve made, and campaigns we’ve run over the past few years to encourage people in Hampshire to try journeys without their cars.”

The funding will go toward connecting different ways of making journeys throughout Hampshire, addressing issues specific to a large and rural county, such as longer distances, higher costs and greater reliance on cars.

Mr Humby continued: “In a large, rural county such as Hampshire, it would be unrealistic to expect anything other than car travel to be the most popular way for people to get around. However, if people consider changing the way they travel for some or part of their journeys, this could have a significant impact on congestion levels, journey time reliability and, if they are cycling or walking, their health, well-being and budget.

“Enabling further transport options in rural areas will help improve the economic vitality of these areas and help more people living in rural Hampshire to access employment opportunities more easily.”

The funding is part of £20.6m that is being given out nationally for 23 sustainable travel initiatives across England that boost local economies.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Green transport cuts congestion and improves air quality. It also offers the cheapest and healthiest way for people to access jobs and education.

“Hampshire’s green travel scheme will make a real difference for residents and help provide better air quality for everyone. Our £21m funding across England shows we are committed to improving lives through investment in sustainable transport.”

Successful authorities demonstrated they could cut emissions, support social and economic growth and increase cycling and walking in their areas.