BLOG: DfT’s decarbonisation strategy takes welcome first step
The EEH team is supporting colleagues and each other through these challenging times, but we're also not losing focus on global environmental challenges – in particular decarbonising the transport system.
Recently the Department for Transport published a report on how it will develop a decarbonisation strategy. We welcome the Sectary of State's vision and the recognition that there will need to be a fundamental change to the way we all …
Martin Tugwell Blog: Why 2035 matters in 2020
The recent announcement by Government to bring forward the ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars is perhaps even more significant than it might appear on first reading.
From a manufacturer perspective the life-cycle for one of their products is 5-7 years: that's the frequency with which they typically refresh or update their product. Perhaps more importantly many of the new vehicles joining the road are 'bought' on personal …
EEH welcomes TWAO announcement
Today (Tuesday 4 February) the Secretary of State for Transport approved Network Rail’s Transport and Works Act Order application, granting permission for work to begin on the next phase of East West Rail.
The TWAO grants permission for track and signalling upgrades between Bicester, Bedford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes, including reinstating a disused section of railway between Bletchley and Claydon Junction, north of Aylesbury Vale Parkway.
Mayor Dave Hodgson, Chair …
EEH welcomes public support for A428 Black Cat improvement scheme
Press release by Highways England
Proposals to transform one of the East of England's busiest roads have received strong backing from members of the public responding to a recent consultation.
Highways England is proposing to replace the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire with a new, free-flowing junction and create a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking it to a redesigned Caxton Gibbet junction, replacing the only remaining section of single carriageway …
EEH welcomes East West Rail Central Section announcement
England's Economic Heartland has welcomed the East West Railway Company's announcement on its preferred route between Bedford and Cambridge (January 30).
Following last year's public consultation, 'Route E' ("Bedford Midland – south of St Neots/ Tempsford area – Cambourne – Cambridge") has been selected by the East West Railway Company as the route of the scheme's 'central section', which connects to the 'western section' between Oxford and Bedford, and Aylesbury …
Strong case for existing operator to provide initial East West Rail services
There is a strong case for services on East West Rail's 'western section' to initially be provided by an existing operator rather than Government seeking to let a franchise, according to England's Economic Heartland.
With the section between Oxford and Bedford and Aylesbury and Milton Keynes, due to open in the early 2020s, EEH believes there is a pressing need for clarity over how services will be operated.
And with …
MARTIN TUGWELL BLOG: Please join the conversation on Outline Transport Strategy
Today marks a month since England’s Economic Heartland’s third regional conference, where we launched our Outline Transport Strategy.
This marked the start of a period of engagement with people and businesses on the challenges and opportunities that exist across the Heartland – and I’d encourage people to let us know their views by emailing engagement@englandseconomicheartland.com
At the heart of the strategy is its vision – ‘connecting people and places with …
Road improvement schemes submitted to Government
More than £700m worth of road investment priorities in and around the Oxford to Cambridge Arc have been submitted to Government by regional body England's Economic Heartland.
The schemes – which include junction improvements, capacity upgrades and new relief roads - would reduce congestion and improve journey times, helping to realise the region's immense economic potential, which Government has made a national priority.
EEH's submission follows a request from Government …
ICE recommendations merit further exploration
The Institution of Civil Engineers today published its State of the Nation report which sets out a series of interventions for better integrating the planning and delivery of housing and infrastructure.
EEH Programme Director, Martin Tugwell, said: "The ICE's State of the Nation report makes for some very interesting reading.
"In particular, the recommendation for Sub-national Transport Bodies to become Strategic Infrastructure Bodies - with a co-ordinating …
Study identifies priorities for freight and logistics
A major study into freight and logistics in and around the Oxford to Cambridge Arc has identified a number of priorities for the region, including improving strategic road access, maximising the use of rail freight, and encouraging investment in greener technology.
The study by England's Economic Heartland (EEH), was unveiled at its annual conference in Hertfordshire yesterday (July 16), and will be a major input into its overarching Transport Strategy. …
