Transport

A transport system that fully supports sustainable economic growth

To increase international competitiveness, investment and employment opportunities, the East of England’s transport network must enable the efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods. This requires reliable access to ports and airports, excellent inter-urban corridors, enhanced links to London, improved rural accessibility and seamless intra-urban connectivity.

The combination of a low-density population and long-distance commuting to major employment centres, including London, results in a higher rate of travel per head than any other region. The region suffers from congestion in urban areas and on the strategic road network, overcrowding on passenger rail routes to London, and inadequate road and rail access to ports and airports for freight and people. Transport accounted for around 36 per cent of end-user carbon emissions in 2005 and is the sector of the economy most resistant to major reductions.

The regional transport strategy (RTS) sets out the framework for the delivery of transport investment and policy in the East of England.xxxi

This regional economic strategy (RES) aims to maximise the economic benefits of the RTS framework by:

  • fully exploiting economic opportunities arising from the development
    of international gateways
  • supporting productivity growth arising from agglomeration in our
    growing cities and towns
  • enhancing productivity from improved connectivity on the key
    inter-urban network.

In supporting improvements to the transport infrastructure and services, we must also moderate demand and carry a greater proportion of movements in a more sustainable manner.

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