Interventions identified in latest two connectivity studies
Potential interventions to improve the transport system along two key corridors in the region are identified in England’s Economic Heartland’s two latest connectivity studies.
The Thames Valley-Northampton and Southern East-West Movements (Buckinghamshire across to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire) were produced after extensive stakeholder engagement. They have been developed in line with DfT transport appraisal guidance and provide clarity on investment opportunities which EEH and its local authority partners can now seek …
Spending Review submission highlights importance of East West Rail, Ely and bus to the region
England's Economic Heartland used the recent Spending Review call for evidence to ensure key messages about our Board’s priorities for investment were submitted directly to Treasury.
Building on recent Board discussions, EEH’s submission set out the huge economic potential of the region that can only be achieved if our infrastructure and connectivity priorities are realised, including delivering of East West Rail (in full), Ely Junction and investing in improved bus …
Buses Bill - EEH statement
EEH statement in response to the Buses Bill being laid in Parliament today:
Cllr Liz Leffman, Chair of England’s Economic Heartland, said: “We welcome the importance the new government is placing on improving bus journeys and potentially giving more powers to local authorities. This includes opening up opportunities to franchise, and we’ve already seen exciting proposals put forward for consultation by our partners at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
“In …
New support for firms with green solutions to regional transport challenges
From electric taxis to bin lorries, a new accelerator will offer bespoke business support to SMEs with ideas to make transport greener.
England's Economic Heartland has partnered with Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, to support the Local Authority Transport Decarbonisation Accelerator.
The Catapult collaborated with England's Economic Heartland and two local authorities to seek solutions that can help progress towards net zero …
Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner MP opens East of England’s third Net Zero and Climate Resilience Summit
Over 250 people attended the summit at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge where speakers and workshops focused on the actions needed to achieve net zero and climate resilience for the East of England.
The Summit was opened by Daniel Zeichner MP, Defra Minister of State for the Environment.
Mr Zeichner, in his opening address, set out the essential need for adaptation to a changing climate. A commitment to farming and …
EEH welcomes new ministerial team
Cllr Liz Leffman Chair of England's Economic Heartland, has welcomed the new ministerial team at the Department for Transport.
She said: "On behalf of England’s Economic Heartland, I would like to congratulate the new Secretary of State for Transport and her ministerial team on their appointments."The incoming government has made growing the economy the bedrock of its approach. Our region, with its world class science, technology and creative sectors, …
EEH contributes to South East transport inquiry
The South East All-Party Parliamentary Group has published 'THE SOUTH EAST AND ‘GLOBAL BRITAIN’: What role for transport infrastructure in underpinning Britain’s plan to trade and grow?”
EEH was delighted to give evidence to MPs for the inquiry, which has produced a number of strong recommendations:
Recommendation 1: Government must recognise, and act on, the scale of the challenge in enabling the South East region to support trade to grow …
EEH welcomes EMR announcement to refurbish electric fleet
Positive news this week as EMR has announced a £60 million programme to refurbish its electric Class 360 fleet which operates EMR Connect and Luton Airport Express services between Corby and London St Pancras stopping at Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton and Luton Airport Parkway.
Improving the passenger experience is critical to ensuring more people choose to travel by train.
We know the current quality of the provision has been an …
Shadow Rail Minister receives briefing on Ely
The Shadow Minister of State for Rail, Stephen Morgan MP, was briefed on the importance of delivering the Ely Junction improvement works during a visit to Cambridge last month.
Mr Morgan was joined by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson and EEH managing director Naomi Green, alongside colleagues from Rail Freight Group, Freeport East and Network Rail.
The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the importance of delivering …
A busy day in Parliament as East West Rail features in both Budget and Transport Committee
It was a busy day in Parliament today (6 March), as EEH’s managing director Naomi Green gave evidence on East West Rail to the Transport Committee, just hours before the Chancellor gave the ‘green light’ for services from Oxford to Bedford to run by the end of the decade.
Naomi appeared as part of the committee’s inquiry into strategic transport objectives, with East West Rail being used as a case …
