The minister was speaking at an event to launch the Urban Challenge Fund – a new funding scheme designed to support packages of measures that will deliver a wide range of transport improvements.

Cities will only be eligible to receive money from the fund if they can show their plans will: improve journey choice, tackle congestion, improve safety; lower carbon emissions; and promote healthier lifestyles through better air quality and more walking and cycling.

Sadiq Khan said: “The last decade of record investment has delivered thousands of infrastructure improvements, both big and small, in our towns and cities up and down the country.  But we can do more.

“Given the environmental and financial challenges we face, it is more important than ever that urban transport planning is embedded in broader economic and spatial planning.  That sounds obvious, but the extent to which urban authorities have been successful in doing this varies tremendously. 

“The Urban Challenge Fund is designed to support cities that want to deliver economic, health and environmental improvements at the same time, and are prepared to take the bold decisions needed to make that happen.  This new fund will help to create a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future for generations to come.”