Connecting People, Transforming Journeys Regional Transport Strategy xLEP driving economic growth England’s Economic Heartland brings together the region’s Local Transport Authorities in a strategic partnership that works with the region’s local enterprise partnerships to provide leadership on strategic infrastructure. PETERBOROUGH CAMBRIDGESHIRE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BEDFORD MILTON KEYNES CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE LUTON BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE SWINDON In April 2021 Northamptonshire will have two unitary councils: West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire. – 2 – CONTENTS FOREWORD ..................................................................................................................... 6 A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR REAL CHANGE .................................... 8 Our Ambition ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 A National Priority: the Oxford – Cambridge Arc .........................................................................................................................................10 Our Five-point Plan of Action .....................................................................................................................................................................................11 Climate Change and the Environment ................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Inclusive by Design ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Whole System Approach .................................................................................................................................................................................................16 ENGLAND’S ECONOMIC HEARTLAND ........................................................................18 An Economic Powerhouse ............................................................................................................................................................................................18 A Quality Environment .....................................................................................................................................................................................................20 At the Heart of the UK .....................................................................................................................................................................................................20 A Vision that is Evidence Led......................................................................................................................................................................................21 A Region with Challenges ..............................................................................................................................................................................................22 Places of Strategic Importance .................................................................................................................................................................................23 Freight and Logistics..........................................................................................................................................................................................................26 Engagement and Consultation .................................................................................................................................................................................27 A TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE ..............................................................28 Pathways to Decarbonisation ....................................................................................................................................................................................28 Decarbonising our Transport System ..................................................................................................................................................................30 Mobility of the Future .......................................................................................................................................................................................................33 The East West Main Line ................................................................................................................................................................................................38 – 3 – TRANSFORMING JOURNEYS .......................................................................................38 Improving East West Connectivity .........................................................................................................................................................................40 Improving North-South Connectivity ...................................................................................................................................................................42 Transforming Intra and Inter Regional Journeys..........................................................................................................................................44 CONNECTING PEOPLE ..................................................................................................46 Sustainable, Healthy Places .........................................................................................................................................................................................48 Improving Local Connectivity .....................................................................................................................................................................................49 Rural Connectivity ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................50 MAKING THE HEARTLAND WORK FOR THE UK ...................................................... 52 Connecting to Global Markets ....................................................................................................................................................................................52 Realising the Potential for Rail Freight ...............................................................................................................................................................54 Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges........................................................................................................................................................................57 Supporting Road Freight ................................................................................................................................................................................................58 IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................................60 A Mechanism for Change ...............................................................................................................................................................................................60 Harnessing Innovation .....................................................................................................................................................................................................61 Creating Confidence, Providing Flexibility ........................................................................................................................................................61 Connectivity Studies ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................62 Accelerating Delivery .........................................................................................................................................................................................................63 THE INVESTMENT PIPELINE .......................................................................................64 A Co-ordinated Approach ...............................................................................................................................................................................................64 Investment Pipeline ............................................................................................................................................................................................................65 Capacity and Capability ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74 Delivery of the Pipeline .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74 Regulation ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................75