Image: Increased cycling is one of the Bill's aims

Local authorities throughout Wales will be at the centre of efforts to encourage more people to walk and cycle more under planned new legislation unveiled by the Welsh Government.

Welsh transport minister Carl Sargeant has launched the government's White Paper for the Active Travel (Wales) Bill, which aims to establish a sustainable transport network.

The new Bill will make it a legal requirement for councils to plan fully-integrated networks, which is designed to help "dramatically increase" the number of walkers and cyclists.

Sargeant said: "We want to make walking and cycling the most natural and normal way of making short everyday journeys."

The White Paper is now subject to a three-month consultation closing on 14 August.

Details: www.wales.gov.uk

Image: David Hughes/shutterstock.com