Leicester and Nottingham city councils have been rated as two of the highest performing local authorities in the first ever Government review of active travel infrastructure and support.

Published by Active Travel England, the 0-4 ratings system – with 4 being the best – look at how effective the 79 local transport authorities in England outside London are at delivering schemes that will support the objectives set out in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.

Leicester and Nottingham city councils received a 3 each and were joined by Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and West Midlands combined authorities.

The ratings focus on local leadership, plans, and delivery record.

A 3 rating means the local authority has a ‘very strong local leadership, comprehensive plans, and a significant network in place with a growing number of people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle.’

Thirty local authorities were rated 2, which means they had ‘strong local leadership, with clear plans that form the basis of an emerging network with a few elements already in place.’

Forty local authorities were rated 1 (‘Some local leadership with basic plans and isolated interventions that do not yet obviously form a plan for a network.’), while Rutland, Leicestershire, West Sussex and Worcestershire were rated O (‘Local leadership for active travel is not obvious, no significant plans are in place, the authority has delivered only lower complexity schemes.’).

Responding to the rating, deputy mayor of Leicester Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on transport, clean air and climate emergency, said: ‘I am incredibly proud that Active Travel England has recognised Leicester’s commitment and proven track record on delivering schemes that encourage cleaner, greener, more affordable and healthier sustainable travel habits and help create a more people-friendly, low carbon city.’