National news Active travel funding allocation Funding allocations for each of the 11 local authorities taking part in a 13.9m trial that enables health workers to prescribe walking and cycling to patients have been published for the first time by Active Travel England (ATE). The active travel social prescribing scheme, which was launched in August 2022, is helping councils launch a range of projects that will evaluate the impact of active travel on an individuals physical and mental health, such as through reduced demand for healthcare appointments and reliance on medication because of more physical activity. ATE has also published the breakdown of funding for its 32.9m capability fund, initially announced in January. This investment is intended to help 78 councils in England design, develop and consult on high-quality active travel schemes that work for residents. See bit.ly/PNAug23CF EV fire safety guidance for covered car parks published The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has published Covered car parks fire safety guidance for electric vehicles (EVs). The guidance was created following the building regulations amendment that exempted covered car parks from the requirement to install EV chargepoints. It is intended to provide guidance on the potential hazards and appropriate mitigation measures to consider. OZEV commissioned Ove Arup & Partners to create the guidance document using national and international data and was supported by consultation with external stakeholders including the BPAs Parking Structures Group and its fire safety working group, National Fire Chiefs Council, chargepoint organisations and academics. An OZEV spokesperson said: The guidance outlines the different risk profile of EV fires and the mitigation measures that should be considered to reduce the risk and/or impact of an EV fire. We expect the guidance to be widely used as the presence of electric vehicles and electric vehicle chargepoints continues to grow across the UK. Jonathan Allen, BPA head of technology, innovation and research, said: We are delighted to see the publication of this new guidance, which includes significant input from BPA members to ensure standards are fit for purpose to accommodate the growing use of EV chargepoints in UK car parks. You can read the guidance at bit.ly/PNAug23FSG Fines rise for environmental offences Wales set for September speed slow down Reducing speed will not only save lives but will help build stronger, safer communities, according to the Welsh governments Deputy Climate Change Minister, Lee Waters. Described as the biggest step-change in community safety in a generation, most streets in Wales that currently have a 30mph speed limit will switch to 20mph on Sunday 17 September. 8 On-the-spot fines for litter, graffiti and fly-tipping were set to come into effect at the end of July as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour. It is hoped that the new upper limit to fines will deter people from harming public spaces in the first place, and ensure that those who continue to offend face tougher consequences. The government is laying a statutory instrument increasing the upper limits for various fixed penalty notices (FPNs). The maximum amount those caught fly-tipping could be fined will increase from 400 to 1,000 The maximum amount those who litter or graffiti could be fined will increase from 150 to 500 The maximum amount those who breach their household waste duty of care could be fined will increase from 400 to 600. Local authorities will have the freedom to set the rates that offenders should pay within the limits above.