Decision details

Further to the Cabinet report of March 2019, to consider the response to the consultation on Transport for the South East’s Transport Strategy.

(a)  That the progress in the establishment of the TFSE sub-national body be noted;

(b)  That the formal consultation response submitted by Slough Borough Council, as a constituent member and part of the Berkshire Local Transport Group, to TFSE’s draft proposal to Government to establish the body be noted;

(c)  That the main areas of agreement with TFSE’s proposals be highlighted and to recommend ongoing support for the development of the TFSE strategy with prioritisation for the following specific areas:

·  Increasing transport connectivity across the South East, maximising the benefit of cross-boundary links and regional travel; developing and maintaining the resilience of strategic corridors, enhanced partnership arrangements, and support for Public Transport including smart-ticketing innovations and similar technological solutions. 

·  Increasing economic growth across the South East;

·  Improving air quality and related environmental benefits in the South East.

·  Improving accessibility within the South East, leading to greater social equality.

·  Endorsing and contributing to the sub-national transport body’s ability and powers to lobby central government and seek increased funding, over and above the opportunities that would otherwise be available to individual local authorities.

(d)  That any challenges to the proposal be noted, and specifically the areas where further research and engagement by TFSE are required, including:

·  Increased reference to the role and potential opportunities associated with Heathrow Airport, Transport for London and all other neighbouring regional authorities and organisations of significance.

·  Greater acknowledgment of the economic benefits being delivered in the most successful and highest performing areas within the region.

·  Clarification on a number of matters relating to voting procedures and dispute resolution

·  Reference to the importance of Travel Demand Management, focusing on practical and technological solutions. 

(e)  To further recognise the synergies between the TFSE proposal for the region and key policies in Slough, including the Slough Borough Council Transport Vision, the SBC Low Emission Strategy, the overall SBC Local Plan and all related core transport and environmental policies.

(f)  To maintain overall support for the establishment of TFSE as a sub-national transport body.