England and Ireland have entered into a new partnership to promote sustainable transport in cities in both countries.

The new Civitas UK and Ireland Network, which is part of an EU initiative aiming to bring cleaner and more efficient transport to cities, will see the local authorities in Preston, Norwich, Winchester and Bristol in England, and Cork in Ireland, work together with help from the UK and Irish Departments for Transport.

Civitas – City-Vitality-Sustainability – involves 36 cities across Europe taking part in the scheme.

“Across Europe, Civitas members are aiming to provide transport that’s safe, affordable and comfortable.

"They appreciate the need to meet rising demand for travel and support economic growth while at the same time providing cleaner, safer environments,” said transport minister Rosie Winterton.

“I think that the communities involved can benefit greatly from the network and help share best practice with similar towns and cities across Europe.”

The minister pointed out that the scheme, which includes walking and cycling projects as well as work towards developing cleaner fuel and more efficient vehicles, complements the UK’s own sustainable travel towns initiative where measures, including personalised travel planning, have helped change the travel habits of thousands of people in Peterborough, Darlington and Worcester.