Engineering professional services consultancy WSP has developed new user guidance for the updated Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit (AMAT) on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT).
The guidance aims to help stakeholders use the AMAT effectively to appraise schemes for programmes including Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans, Transforming Cities Fund and the Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF), which was launched by transport secretary Grant Shapps last month.
The EATF provides an initial £225m funding for authorities around England for a wide range of measures to promote active travel and reduce pressure on public transport.
Rachel Skinner, UK head of transport at WSP and client director for Department for Transport, said: ‘As we start the hard work to recover from the disruption brought by COVID-19, we must seize the parallel opportunity to leap ahead with the net zero carbon agenda. Investments in active travel modes are critical for our health, wellbeing and mobility, and the decarbonisation of the UK’s transport network is a vital piece of the net zero 2050 puzzle.
‘These infrastructure commitments are also a critical element in underpinning our collective efforts to fulfil the true potential of walking and cycling as one of many solutions to combat the climate emergency and air quality. The AMAT takes on board the very latest in best practice and innovation for active modes to give confidence and assurance to local authorities who are keen to invest and make fast progress in their strategic recovery plans for COVID-19.’
The guidance provides advice on how to use the AMAT for assessing the overall benefits and costs of proposed walking and cycling interventions, ranging from capital investments to behaviour change programmes.
AMAT enables stakeholders and decision-makers to assess the value for money of proposed cycling and walking interventions, quantifying a wide range of potential benefits from active travel including health improvements from increased levels of physical activity; identifying transport decarbonisation impacts; and air quality and climate benefits associated with modal shift.
Jeremy Clarke, economic advisor – active and accessible travel at the DfT, said: ‘I’m confident this will really help local stakeholders to make the case for future spending on active travel. This new guidance will have immediate impact and I’m grateful for WSP’s swift and valuable input.’
The DfT is hosting an online launch event for the AMAT User Guidance on Wednesday 24 June, 10.30-11.45. The event will discuss how the toolkit should be used to appraise schemes being proposed for the Emergency Active Travel Fund.
Register for your free place here.
For further information please contact WSP project manager, Phil Freestone.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
