A proposed multi-million pound project to reduce congestion on some of the West Midlands’ busiest roads took a major step forward today when it was shortlisted for Government funding.
Centro, the region’s transport authority, was formally invited to submit a detailed business case for its Smart Network, Smarter Choices project which aims to cut the staggering £2.3 billion a year cost of congestion to West Midlands businesses.
If successful, the business case will secure part of the Government’s £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
The cash has been made available by Ministers for transport authorities to bring in measures which encourage sustainable ways of travelling, such as public transport, which support the economy and reduce carbon emissions.
Centro’s Smart Network, Smarter Choices project focuses on speeding up journey times for all road users and on changing people’s travel habits along several of the region’s most congested roads.
It would involve;
- Road improvements to tackle bottlenecks
- Enhanced real time passenger information
- Setting up car sharing schemes
- Cycle lanes and bus priority measures
Residents living near the congested routes would also be offered customised travel advice about the full range of transport options on their doorstep.
Centro chairman, Cllr Angus Adams, said:
“Cutting congestion will not only boost our local economy and speed up journey times for all road users, from freight hauliers to bus operators but will also help us cut carbon.
“Many of the elements include in our Smart Network, Smarter Choices project have been proven to be successful in reducing congestion and in changing people’s travel habits in favour of more sustainable ways of moving around.
“We are now looking forward to drawing up our business case for the Government who have clearly seen much potential in a our proposals.”
One priority of the Smart Network, Smarter Choices project is to tackle congestion caused by the school run. Experts will work with nearby schools to help pupils, parents and staff walk, cycle, catch the bus or car share.
Local companies will also be supported in encouraging their staff to travel more sustainably and there will be a series of organised walks, cycle rides and cycle training for the surrounding community.
At the same time the project aims to support the local economy by highlighting the wide range of local facilities available, many of which are quicker to reach on foot, bike or bus than by car.
In drawing up the business case Centro will work with the region’s local authorities in identifying which key roads should be included. The business case will also determine the cost of the project.
The proposed Smart Network Smarter Choices project would form part of the region’s Local Transport Plan — a blueprint to improve the transport system in the West Midlands over the next 15 years.
