European
The European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to Decide included a number of fundamental policies relevant to East West Rail. These included shifting the balance between modes of transport, including revitalising the railways for passengers and freight, and eliminating bottlenecks, particularly for freight.
National
The Integrated Transport White Paper - A New Deal for Transport and Transport 2010 - The ten year plan, included the objectives of a 50% increase in rail passengers, an 80% increase in rail freight use, and improved public transport for people in towns and villages. All these aims are set within the wider context of policies in support of social inclusion, better health, an improved economy and a move towards sustainable development.
The London and South Midlands Multi-Modal Study reported in early 2003 and included a specific recommendation that 'the western section of East-West Rail...should receive SRA support...at the earliest possible time...as the first stage of an east-west route.' This study highlighted the strategic functions of this route as follows:
- Connecting Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Bedford with Oxford and Bristol, and by means of a single interchange giving access to most of South West England and South Wales;
- Providing access to Stansted Aipport (and also Ipswich from Bedford, Milton Keynes and Oxford);
- Strengthening the role of Bedford as a transport hub, in conjunction with the proposed extension of Thameslink to Northampton;
- Improving access to Luton Airport by means of an interchange at Bedford;
- Improving services available for local commuters to Milton Keynes and Bedford.
Moreover, the East West Rail route provides connectivity between principal north-south corridors, creating more interchange opportunities.
Regional
SEERA's Draft Regional Transport Strategy was subject to Public Examination in July 2003. The Panel submitted their report to the Deputy Prime Minister in October 2003 and Policy T1 states that priority will be given to investment in the transport that supports delivery of the spatial strategy by:
- Developing the network of regional hubs and spokes (these include Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Oxford);
- Facilitating urban renewal and urban renaissance as a means of achieving a more sustainable pattern of development; and
- Supporting the region's gateway function.
The Regional Transport Strategy Prioritisation Framework identifies East West Rail Phase 1 (our western section between Bedford-Oxford) as a priority scheme on the basis that it will:
- Assist orbital linkage with the East of England;
- Assist Milton Keynes and Aylesbury growth areas: and
- Assist the hubs and spokes (for Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Oxford).
Local
The Local Transport Plan (LTP), of the four western section local authorities - Buckinghamshire County Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Bedfordshire County Council and Milton Keynes Council - all feature East West Rail as a priority transport infrastructure scheme to help deliver their local transport and planning objectives. These include promoting modal shift from car to train along the corridor as well as regeneration priorities in Bletchley, Bedford and Buckinghamshire.
