THE Government has announced plans to spend almost £2 billion in the next two years helping local authorities to compile local transport plans. The plans are at the heart of the Government's integrated transport policy designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and introduce alternatives to the car.

In the summer the Government is expected to publish its 10-year transport plans - based on its integrated transport policy. Provisional one-year local transport plans were submitted in the summer and full plans are due to be submitted in July will run for five years once approved.