Kent secures £6 million annual Active Travel funding to boost walking and cycling
Residents encouraged to submit ideas for local schemes
Kent County Council has announced a major boost to walking, cycling, and wheeling routes across the county, following confirmation of a £6 million annual Active Travel funding settlement from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Active Travel England.
Starting in 2026, Kent will receive £5.25 million each year for four years in capital funding, along with £1.65 million annually for three years to support engagement, planning, and behavioural change programmes.
KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Spencer Dixon, praised the funding, highlighting its long-term value. “This multi-year settlement lets us plan confidently, delivering walking and cycling infrastructure that local people need and want.
"It’s a chance for communities to shape projects that genuinely improve their lives,” Dixon said.
How the public can get involved
KCC is urging residents to share their ideas for new schemes, with Councillor Dixon explaining, “The public gets a significant say in this. They can go online to suggest improvements, whether it’s pedestrian crossings, cycle routes, or safer paths for wheelchair users and parents with prams. Nobody knows the area better than those who live in it.”
Ideas submitted by the public will be considered alongside initial consultations with district councils, boroughs, community groups, and partners to ensure maximum impact across Kent.
Mr Dixon said the funding will prioritise making active travel safer, easier, and more attractive for short journeys, adding, “Our long-term goal is to encourage safer routes and help people leave the car at home.”
What the funding will support
The funding is split between:
Capital funding (£5.25m/year): This will focus on building and maintaining active travel infrastructure such as paths, crossings, and cycleways.
Revenue funding (£1.65m/year): This will be used for planning, feasibility studies, engagement, training, and programmes to encourage behaviour changes.
Examples of potential schemes include safety zones near schools, usable infrastructure upgrades, and improvements for both cyclists and wheelchair users. Spencer Dixon added, “KCC will work hard to spread projects evenly across Kent while tailoring solutions for specific areas based on viability and need.”
Timeline and broader impact
Feedback from the public will shape projects that aim to support local communities, strengthen high streets, and offer viable travel alternatives to cars. Timelines will vary depending on the scale of each design—from short-term projects like crossings to larger infrastructure strategies inspired by the success of East Kent’s routes.
KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Peter Osborne, described the funding as transformative: “This investment ensures Kent can deliver real community-focused improvements. It’s all about building safer, everyday journeys and giving people practical travel options. We’ll ensure these funds are used responsibly to deliver visible results countywide.”
Residents can submit their input and ideas at letstalk.kent.gov.uk.