Councils across the country have won nearly £21 million of funding from the government to promote green forms of transport.

The funding is being given out for 23 sustainable travel initiatives across England that boost local economies by supporting people’s ambitions - offering cheap, clean and healthy travel options to access jobs and education opportunities.

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."

"The schemes will make a real difference for residents and help provide better air quality for everyone. Our £21 million funding shows we are committed to improving lives through investment in sustainable transport."

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

This funding continues the government’s commitment to green transport. Over £300 million is committed to support cycling and walking over this Parliament. More than £6 billion will be provided for local road maintenance up to 2021 benefitting cyclists as well as motorists, with well-surfaced roads and cycle paths.

The government also aims to make almost every car and van zero emissions by 2050 with £2 billion work of measures committed since 2011 to green transport schemes. This has funded thousands of low emissions buses introduced by bus operators on routes across England.