TRANSPORT bosses in York will benefit from nearly a million pounds extra in Government funding over the next four years, after its future plans were hailed as "excellent".

City of York Council's Local Transport Plan II was one of only three in the Yorkshire and Humberside region to gain the accolade, for its 2006-2011 plan.

In recognition of its success, the council will be allocated an extra £460,000 next year; a further £266,000 for 2008/09; £144,000 in 2009/10; and £30,000 in 2010/11 - meaning total benefits of £900,000.

The council's transport boss Ann Reid, welcomed the announcement, and said the money would help fund improved facilities for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.

She said: "This is wonderful news. Yet again York has received the highest possible rating for its Local Transport Plan which shows that our programme of consultation with residents and stakeholders, along with attention to detail, has paid off. This small increase will go someway to meeting the aspirations of the city in providing residents with safe transport choices.

"We were extremely disappointed that we have had to reduce the capital programme because overall funding was cut during the Plan preparation period. This extra money should allow some schemes, such as improvements to cycling facilities, provision for pedestrians and help for public transport such as improvements to Strensall roundabout, to progress more quickly. Officers will be assessing how the extra funding can be used to best effect."

Bill Woolley, director of city strategy, said: "This is fantastic news for York and for our transport partners across the city.

"For our plans to be classed as excellent and be endorsed by the Government is testament to the hard work of our transport team and the input from local residents.

"The additional funding could be used for a range of transport initiatives, including more safe routes to schools, more walking and cycling initiatives and more school safety schemes."

Government officials rated the achievements of York's first five-year Local Transport Plan, covering the period 2001-2006, as "very good".

They highlighted the 56 per cent increase in bus use since 2001 and the council's efforts to manage congestion as particularly significant.

The council will receive a total of £4.14m for integrated transport next year, 2007/08, and an additional £2.17m for highway maintenance.