Barking and Dagenham has received £4.8 million in transport funding from Transport for London (TfL) - reportedly the most of any London borough.

The funds, secured by Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, will boost the borough's transport infrastructure plans.

This includes improving the area's bus networks, traffic hot spots and local cycling infrastructure.

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The funding is the highest amount awarded in Barking and Dagenham's history, and is a 240 per cent increase from the TfL funding awarded in 2019/20.

TfL annually allocates funds to support all London boroughs' local implementation plans (LIPs), designed to support the Mayor of London's transport strategy.

This year, £3.1 million of Barking and Dagenham's funding is earmarked for bus networks, equating to a quarter of all bus network funding allocated by Transport for London for LIPs.

More than £630,000 will be put towards improving cycling infrastructure, marking a 170 per cent funding increase from the previous financial year.

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Other priority projects for the funds include improving the A406 roundabout, road safety improvements in Western Avenue and Gale Street, and the continuation of the School Streets programme.

Tim Thomas, head of transport, infrastructure and policy planning at Be First, said: "Being an outer London borough, it is crucial we have a robust transport network to facilitate growth and accessibility within the borough while promoting active travel and reducing our residents’ reliance on cars, but still developing plans to tackle congestion hot spots such as the A13 and A406 junctions.

"We’re delighted to receive this funding and look forward to progressing the projects that will improve local transport infrastructure for residents."

Councillor Cameron Geddes, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, added: "We’re always working hard to make sure our residents get the best deal, so for us to successfully receive a record amount of investment for transport is very heartening.

"Improving local transport infrastructure is key as our borough grows and I’m glad that whether you’re a cyclist, walker, use public transport or drive a car, there’s something in this investment for you."