England's Economic Heartland's (EEH) formal consultation on its Draft Transport Strategy has now been launched. It closes at midnight on 6th October.
The consultation sets out a new approach to connectivity which will enable the region's transport system to support a green recovery from COVID-19 and sustainable economic growth in the decades which follow, while reaching net zero carbon emissions no later than 2050. You can find details and respond at this link http://www.englandseconomicheartland.com/Pages/transport-strategyconsult.aspx
John said: “We know that within the recent Road Investment Strategy published in March that the Oxford-Milton Keynes end of the previously proposed Expressway has been paused whilst other options are explored. This is good news and I fully expect that other investment will come forward, especially for the A34 where it is much needed. COVID 19 has brought to the fore something that I have long campaigned for – better digital connectivity. I am pleased to see this as a key factor in connectivity going forward. However we will still need to travel and meet with others and we need transport infrastructure fit for the future. The EEH consultation on the Draft Transport Strategy is an opportunity for people to have their say on the future connectivity of the region and I encourage people to respond to the consultation”
England’s Economic Heartland is a partnership of local transport authorities and local enterprise partnerships, spanning from Swindon and Oxfordshire in the west to Cambridgeshire in the east, and Northamptonshire down to Hertfordshire. It is the region’s Sub-national Transport Body. As an umbrella body is brings political and business leaders together in a strategic collaborative partnership to realise the region’s economic potential.
The work on the wider strategic infrastructure is focused on making sure that investment in transport, digital and utilities infrastructure is ‘joined up’. The strategy includes measures to:
- Work with the area's world-leading innovators to trial and deploy cleaner and smarter connectivity across the region
- Champion investment in better digital connectivity to increase people's ability to work from home, reducing the need to travel
- Maximise the potential of East West Rail and use it as the catalyst for transforming public transport across the region
- Enhance walking and cycling infrastructure and 'shared transport' to improve local connectivity
- Ensure the region's freight and logistics needs continue to be met, while lowering their environmental impact
