A process evaluation of the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund (ATF) has identified insufficient funding and short implementation timeframes as key challenges limiting the delivery of walking and cycling schemes in England.
Conducted by the University of Westminster, the evaluation reviewed the implementation of Tranche 1 (£42m) and Tranche 2 (£175m) funding, focusing on the mechanisms and contextual factors affecting scheme success.
The evaluation found that short-term funding cycles and tight deadlines created significant obstacles for local authorities.
Many authorities reported challenges in planning, resourcing and delivering schemes within the prescribed timeframes, with several projects delayed or scaled back.
Inflation and procurement delays further complicated scheme delivery, leading to increased costs and extended timelines.
Participants noted that a lack of consistent, long-term funding hindered the development of strategic, network-level infrastructure.
One authority representative remarked that while the ATF funding was welcome, it was insufficient to deliver the comprehensive networks required to promote walking and cycling at scale.
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The evaluation highlighted the importance of local political leadership in scheme delivery.
Political support from council leaders and portfolio holders played a significant role in overcoming opposition and ensuring schemes progressed.
However, participants noted difficulties in managing public and stakeholder engagement, particularly for projects perceived to reduce car access.
The pandemic also influenced engagement strategies, with authorities adopting virtual consultation tools to overcome restrictions.
Many participants found these tools effective and expressed a desire to integrate them into future consultation efforts.
The evaluation also revealed disparities between urban and rural authorities in scheme delivery.
Rural participants reported difficulties in adapting urban-focused guidance, such as LTN 1/20, to their contexts.
Smaller authorities cited limited staff capacity and technical expertise as further barriers, exacerbating inequalities in active travel provision.
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The evaluation suggests that long-term, ring-fenced funding and enhanced technical support from organisations such as Active Travel England are critical to addressing these challenges.
Participants recommended clearer guidance on scheme design, particularly for rural areas, and more robust data collection and sharing to support monitoring and evaluation.
The reports conclude that while the ATF has enabled the delivery of important active travel projects, systemic issues in funding and planning processes must be addressed to achieve the government’s goals for walking and cycling infrastructure.
The findings provide a basis for refining active travel policies and funding mechanisms to support future projects more effectively.
Projects advancing active travel will be celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 26 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
