Devon County Council was named ‘transport authority of the year’ at the sixth national transport awards, in recognition of its commitment to promoting cycling.
The council scooped the main award at the annual event, with judges noting the doubling of cycle use since 2001/02, its success in increasing bus patronage in a predominantly rural county from 18.2M to 20.1M passengers in just two years, to 2005/06, and its rights of way improvement programme.
Devon’s environment director, Edward Chorlton, said: ‘This award recognises the determination and perseverance of the county council and the staff of the environment, economy and culture directorate over a number of years.
‘Transport success does not come overnight. It comes from being clear about what you want to achieve, staying the course, and working with partners to benefit people living in the area. In Devon, we have a supportive council and a wide range of skilled and professional staff who are among the best in the country.’
More than 600 people from across the transport industry attended the awards at the London Hilton hotel organised to recognise local authorities and organisations, which have made a real difference to transport throughout the UK.
Further awards went to Torbay Council as the ‘most improved’ local transport authority, and Bridget Fox, former Islington cabinet member, for her ‘outstanding contribution to local transport’.
A special award at the event, organised by the Centre for Transport Policy at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, went to former transport secretary, Alistair Darling, for his ‘outstanding contribution to national transport’.