CALLS by health chiefs for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians to be put above motorists when planning new roads have been welcomed in Swindon.

The proposals, which have been drawn up by the government-funded National Institute for Clinical Excellence, have the backing of one senior borough councillor – as well as UK green transport charities.

NICE said the draft guidance, which can be used to support council planning policies, had been drawn up to try and get more people exercising. “As a society we are facing a looming Type 2 diabetes crisis,” said deputy chief executive Prof Gillian Leng.

Swindon Borough Council claimed it was already putting into action the spirit of the NICE guidance, with millions of pounds earmarked for bus lanes and cycle routes.

A spokesman said: “Our public health and planning teams work closely together to ensure that all new developments have integrated walking and cycle routes, while even existing routes like Wellington Street in the town centre are also being improved to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.”

Coun Jane Milner-Barry, Labour group town centre spokesman, welcomed the new NICE proposals.

But she said the government needed to ensure proper funding in place to help councillors install new sustainable transport links: “We get warm words from the government all the time about walking, cycling and public transport. But they don’t really put any money into it.”

The Local Government Association, a national umbrella group for councils, raised similar concerns.

Coun Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chairman of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: “Councils have a long history of providing leisure facilities for communities, but over time this has developed into a role championing the importance of physical activity outside of the gym or swimming pool.

“This is why we are encouraging the government to consider the impact further spending reductions would have on councils’ abilities to provide these valued, high-quality services, such as parks and green spaces. The recent announcement of further reductions to the public health grant will also undermine local authorities’ ability to improve the public’s health and keep the pressure off the NHS and social care.”

The Department for Transport told the BBC that its own guidance was “crystal clear that street design should explicitly consider pedestrians and cyclists first”.

While walking and cycling groups like Living Streets have backed the NICE plans, others have exercised caution.

The RAC’s head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes welcomed anything that encouraged more people to walk and cycle in towns. But he added: “We also shouldn’t forget the vital role motorised transport continues to play. It remains the case that using a car is the only feasible option for many people.”

The borough council said it was important that council planners made sure the “rights roads are built to keep residents and businesses moving which in turn reduces congestion and pollution”.

The consultation on the NICE draft quality standard for encouraging physical activity will run until February 1. For more, visit: www.nice.org.uk.