Grant to reduce "major" congestion in Slough

Slough has been given £636,000 from the government to deal with the "major issue" of congestion in the borough.

The grant, from the Department for Transport (DfT), will allow the borough council to continue its Smarter Travel for Slough programme into 2015-16.

The Slough Borough Council initiative promotes sustainable ways of travel, including walking and cycling.

Councillor Sohail Munawar said congestion was a "major block to doing good business".

He said: "Anything that helps reduce the problem will bring enormous benefits for Slough businesses.

"There are multiple benefits for residents and school pupils as well. Less traffic not only means less time wasted in traffic jams, but it means cleaner air and safer roads."

The funding for the council's sustainable travel schemes has been provided by the DfT's Local Sustainable Transport Fund since 2012-13.

Since then the council has also introduced a new cycle hire scheme and real-time travel information displays have been installed at bus stops.

The grant has also funded a programme within schools and businesses to promote active travel and encourage fewer car journeys.

Savio DeCruz, head of transport at the council, said congestion was a "major issue" for the town.