A £1.5 million scheme to improve transport and the environment will be carried out in Bradford this year.

The Government has given the go-ahead for the scheme to be implemented by Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, beginning next month.

The funding is split in two, with just over £1 million being awarded to the Council for road and environmental improvements and another £550,000 going to the WYPTA for improvements to passenger facilities.

The cash will spent on the following projects in the city centre and other parts of the district:

Introducing a traffic safety scheme at Great Horton Road.

Improving cycling facilities, including the development of West Yorkshire Town and Country Route, and to provide secure parking facilities for the machines.

Providing extra parking spaces at Shipley, Menston, Steeton and Silsden railway stations.

Improving bus shelters and information for passengers throughout the district.

Improving access to Ilkley bus station.

Improving facilities for passengers with disabilities, including Festival Avenue bus stops.

Expanding the safe routes to school projects where youngsters cycle or walk along well-lit, areas free from danger.

Providing a car park in Main Street, Bingley, as well as bus and rail information for the town.

Improving the Green Lane/Otley Road junction at Baildon following numerous complaints.

The chairman of the Council's transportation, planning and design committee, Coun Latif Darr, said: "In the interests of the district's economy, our policy is to maintain a good road system while encouraging more people to use cycles or public transport."

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