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‘Staying on Track’- new TGLP transport report published

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This week sees the release of the TGLP policy report, ‘Staying on Track: The need for continued investment in the London Thames Gateway’s transport infrastructure’. The report is the first of a new series of regular publications which will give us an opportunity to explore further the key policy issues affecting our area which were first raised in our pre-election prospectus, ‘Return on Capital’.

The report brings together contributions from key political decision-makers, business leaders and those who will shape the practical impact of continued support for infrastructure growth, all of whom give their take on the future of transport infrastructure in the London Thames Gateway as it relates to their own areas.

Contributors Include:

  • Minister for Transport Theresa Villiers MP
  • Crossrail Chief Executive Rob Holden CBE
  • London Assembly Lib Dem Leader Caroline Pidgeon AM
  • London First Chief Executive Baroness Valentine
  • Stratford City Director John Burton
  • London City Airport Chief Executive Richard Gooding OBE

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ONLINE VERSION OF THE REPORT

The report was launched at an event in parliament yesterday morning, hosted by Lewisham East MP Heidi Alexander, in which industry figures came together to discuss issues raised in the paper and the importance of transport infrasturcture in supporting London business and job creation.

The release of the report was featured by the BBC, both in their local news broadcasts and on the BBC News website.

In the report’s foreword, TGLP Chair Lord Falconer writes:

“In the last 25 years, successful transport projects such as City Airport, the development of the Jubilee Line and the Docklands Light Railway have transformed the area, supporting the physical and economic regeneration of the Thames Gateway and helping to establish it as the only area in the country ready and able to absorb the levels of economic and residential growth forecast for London and the South East.

“But the scale of the successful schemes already in place in London and the Gateway should not mean that new infrastructure projects – both those in the planning stages and those in development – become a victim of the need to address the deficit.  Their success should act as evidence for the importance of considered and targeted investment as a catalyst for growth”.

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SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ‘STAYING ON TRACK’:

“Despite the current pressure on budgets, the Government is absolutely clear that investment in our transport infrastructure is essential for economic growth.  London and the Thames Gateway needs an accessible transport system that effectively links communities and employers; that spreads opportunity while protecting the environment; and that puts the travelling public first”

Theresa Villiers MP, Minister for Transport

“Investment in transport projects must go ahead in order to keep London and its surrounding areas moving.  One of the top priorities is Crossrail.  This project must be honoured, including the existing commitment to build the eastern end of Crossrail to Abbey Wood.”

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group

“Cutting this most vital of capital investment would be economically obtuse and, given that commuters have hundreds of thousands of votes, politically unwise.  UK growth, and the revitilisation of London’s economically underachieving eastern quarter, are disproportionately dependent on action to reverse the decline across London’s ageing transport network.”

Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive, London First

“Intensifying the operation of existing transport infrastructure in the Thames Gateway, particularly in and around the critical mass provided by Canary Wharf, is key to attracting investors to stimulate the further growth of this business district.  The market will lead development in and around the Isle of Dogs to build out this area and maximise its potential for economic success, provided by the sheer number and scale of international companies based there now and in the future.”

Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive, London City Airport

“Crossrail (and other improvements) to the transport network offer unparalleled prospects for regeneration in the Thames Gateway and help support and drive future economic growth for the capital and the UK as a whole”.

Rob Holden CBE, Chief Executive, Crossrail

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If you would like a copy of the report in either printed format or as a PDF, please contact David@thames-gateway.org.uk or call 020 7673 4528.