Information on Loughborough

Congestion Plans

Posted on 25/04/2008
P. Klein

traffic jamLeicestershire’s ruling Cabinet is to decide whether to continue research into a congestion-busting project that could attract £3/4 billion of transport investment to the region.

The County Council will consider the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) project, which could help to shape the region’s future transport strategy.

Nick Rushton, the Cabinet’s member for transport, said: “We are not deciding yet whether to introduce a congestion charge – we are simply deciding whether to continue to explore the opportunities offered by this fund.”

TIF is a Government fund that offers councils cash for major transport improvements, provided that they include some form of demand management, such as road user charging.

In late 2006, the Government awarded £1.8 million to the six councils of Derby and Derbyshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (the 6Cs).

The grant was to fund research into tackling congestion, including the possibility of road user charging, to help the 6Cs decide whether to make a bid to TIF.

A range of possible solutions were considered, including improved bus services, reduced bus fares, smarter ticketing and an extension to Nottingham’s tram system, plus the possibility of road user charging around each city.

The study showed that such measures could produce good benefits for the local economy, as well as generating an income for transport schemes.

Now, the six councils must decide whether to submit a case for more funding, to draw up a detailed business case. The deadline is May 30.

It is estimated that the second phase of the study will cost £6 million, with half funded by the Government and the remainder from the six councils. Leicestershire would have to find £500,000, over two years.

The Cabinet will consider the report at 2.30pm on May 6, before the 6Cs’ leaders meet on May 9.