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Thames Valley Multi-Modal Study (TVMMS)

Background

The study area covered parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Surrey. It looked at a corridor between London and Reading including the M4, M3 and other routes between High Wycombe and Basingstoke on the north-south axis. The overall aim of the study was to identify transport and land use problems and opportunities and develop an integrated transport strategy to address these issues. It aimed to identify the scope for reducing congestion by better management and modal shift between the urban centres of the Thames Valley, as well as options for improving access to Heathrow.

Recommendations

The strategy includes three main elements: demand management, improved design and information. Key recommendations include traffic management measures with improvements at congested junctions, priority measures for buses and wider use of technology such as variable speed limits to ease the flow of road traffic. The study concludes that there is no case for motorway widening at present (until at least 2016).

Importance to Industry

The study recognises the importance of increasing network reliability for efficient freight movement. It concludes that there is little scope for modal shift from road to rail within the region and notes the schemes laid out in the SRA Strategic Plan but says that their impact on road freight levels in the study area will be modest. It suggests that road user charging may be introduced after 2011. It makes freight priority recommendations to better manage flow, such as ramp metering. The study makes a general recommendation that FQPs are developed and enhanced further in the region and proposes the development of urban consolidation centres at Reading, Slough, High Wycombe, Bracknell and Basingstoke. Success of this strategy is heavily reliant on delivery of passenger transport improvements and changes in individual behaviour.

Transport infrastructure announcement 9 July 2003 - industry views

In light of the Secretary of State's rejection of the substantial package of public transport schemes, proposed by TVMMS, we remain seriously concerned at the inadequacy of Government plans to manage congestion between London and Reading. Disappointingly the Secretary of State has upheld the study's rejection of widening at M4 Junction 3 to 8/9 and agrees that no improvements are required before 2016.

FTA was critical of this original report and was of the view that relying on public transport alone would not resolve the growing problems on this vital trade route.

Area Map:
Dates:	Reported: January 2003
	Ministerial decision expected: Spring 2003
	Target date for completion of works: Phased measures up to 2016

	Continue to London to South Midlands Multi-Modal Study
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	Index

Last updated: Wed Feb 4 11:40:31 2004