News Release : 04 October 2004

RAIL INVESTMENT DELAYS THREATEN GATEWAY SAYS ASSEMBLY

Continuing delay in investment in the Kent rail system, and particularly domestic services in the new Channel Rail Link threatens to hold up planned developments in Thames Gateway and Ashford Growth Area, says the South East England Regional Assembly.

The Assembly is pressing for commitment from the Department for Transport to deliver essential rail investment of the Integrated Kent Franchise (IKF) to support future development such as new homes and jobs. The recently published Interregional Planning Statement for the Thames Gateway reinforces the need for transport investment.

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Chairman of South East England Regional Assembly’s Planning Committee said: “We have emphasised the need for this rail investment programme many times with Government but nothing seems to be happening. If we don’t act now, we will significantly delay the delivery of an improved rail system and threaten development in the Thames Gateway and Ashford areas. It is critical that the wider economic, social and environmental issues are fully understood by the Secretary of State. The Assembly is joining forces with SEEDA to seek an urgent meeting with Alistair Darling, Secretary of State of the Department for Transport to press for action.”

The Department for Transport expresses concern about the cost of the IKF and may be considering reducing the levels of service. Final specifications for the IKF are expected shortly. The Assembly is stressing that the investment policy needs to:

• Develop the Redhill to Tonbridge link as part of a wider orbital route;
• Take account of freight requirements;
• Establish a high-speed domestic rail service for Dover.

The Assembly will now work with SEEDA to pursue the ministerial meeting and look for other opportunities to press the case.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. More information in the 29 September Regional Planning Committee documents.
2. Strategic Rail Authority is responsible for planning the rail system and franchising the train company contracts.
3. More information on the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) webiste
4. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
5. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
6. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007