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<p>The Department for Transport supports the development of routes where there is
high propensity for increasing functional cycling and walking journeys in a cost-effective
way in line with the Government’s Cycling and Walking Strategy, and we are working
with 46 local authorities to develop Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.</p><p>
</p><p>In doing this, the department needs to take account of additional liabilities
resulting from any granting of public access to, or transfer of, parts of the Historical
Rail Estate that could create short or long-term improvement or maintenance costs
to Highways England. The department believes that in such circumstances a transfer
of the assets to the relevant local authority is the appropriate way forward so that
the local authority can ensure that the relevant property conforms to local policies
and that safety, security and long-term maintenance issues are addressed.</p><p> </p><p>Departmental
officials are willing to support discussions relating to any such transfers.</p><p>
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