News Release : 26 March 2004

EAST RAIL FREIGHT ROUTE SUPPORTS THAMES GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT

THE SOUTH EAST ENGLAND REGIONAL ASSEMBLY IS CALLING ON GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT the need for a freight bypass to the east of London which could stimulate the development and regeneration of Thames Gateway.

The Regional Assembly has consistently argued that Central Railway’s proposal to push its route to the west of London should be rejected and now welcomes the Government’s decision not to support the western route.

Rail Capacity

The need to provide additional capacity on the rail network in the region remains a key priority for the Assembly. Earlier this week the Government published the proposed modifications to the Assembly’s Regional Transport Strategy and acknowledged the need to investigate the benefits of a Lower Thames Crossing to the east of London.

Councillor Nick Skellett, Chairman at the South East England Regional Assembly commented: “We are pleased that the Government has recognised our recommendations that a western freight route is unacceptable. A route to the east of London will have the advantage of supporting the Government’s objectives to regenerate the Thames Gateway. The Assembly welcomes working with the Government and other groups on a proposal for an eastern freight rail link. ”

The Government has asked the Strategic Rail Authority and Highways Agency to identify the issues affecting the networks in the Thames Gateway.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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