Three councils in west London are set to benefit from more than £3 million to improve road and cycle safety ahead of HS2's arrival in their boroughs.

A cash boost of £30 million was allocated by the government on Friday (November 24) to provide “improved road safety for generations” along the HS2 route between London and the West Midlands.

Ealing , Hillingdon and Westminster are among 13 areas located by the phase one route of the rail line which will receive funding as part of National Road Safety Week.

HS2 Minister Paul Maynard confirmed that £1,560,000 will be granted to Westminster, on top of £1,010,000 to Ealing and £645,000 to Hillingdon.

The cash can be used for traffic calming measures, safer pedestrian crossings or safer junctions for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, a spokesman for the Department for Transport said.

Calling the railway a “catalyst for economic growth”, the spokesman suggested the cash boost shows the government's determination to ensure HS2 drives regeneration as well as improved transport links.

After announcing the grants on Friday (November 24), Mr Maynard said the money will ensure England's roads remain “among the safest in the world”.

“This significant investment will mean a legacy of road and cycle safety improvements for people who live and work along the route of HS2 between London and the West Midlands,” he said.

“HS2 will become the backbone of our national rail network – supporting growth and regeneration and helping us build a Britain fit for the future.

He added: “As part of Europe's biggest infrastructure project, we are minimising the effects of building the new railway as much as possible.

“This money will see areas up and down the route benefit from high-quality road and cycle safety projects to ensure that England's roads remain among the safest in the world.”

'Lasting legacy of road safety'

Once local authorities have agreed on plans for improvement projects, which must have a “lasting legacy of road safety”, they will agree on the release of funds with HS2 Ltd.

Other authorities to receive substantial sums of money include Camden, which will receive nearly £2.5 million, and Buckinghamshire County Council, which will be granted nearly £4 million.

The Department for Transport said the funding has been based on the estimated volume of construction vehicle trips anticipated in each local authority’s area

Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2, added: “Safety, environmental protection and being sensitive to the impact of our work on local communities are at the heart of HS2's approach to construction.

“That's why we welcome today's announcement and we look forward to working with local highways authorities along the route.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure that the new funding leaves a positive local legacy of improved road safety for communities once HS2 is complete.”

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