A regional transport body for Oxfordshire has moved closer to becoming a reality after a £2m cash injection by the Government.

England’s Economic Heartland (EHH), supporters of the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference, will share the funding with Transport for the South East which covers Kent and Hampshire. EHH, made up of authorities in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, will use the money to develop a regional transport plan – with the primary aim of improving connectivity across the South East.

Martin Tett, Chair of EHH and keynote speakers at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference, said: ”This investment is good news and will help us deliver our ambitious programme of work over the next 12 months, which includes developing an over-arching transport strategy and taking forward work to establish England’s Economic Heartland as a sub-national transport body.”

The EEH could achieve the aim of becoming a sub-national transport body as early as next year – giving it similar authority and devolved powers to Transport for The North. That would give the EHH management of routes in the region, making it easier to put bids into Government for additional funds if needed.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: ”This Government is committed to empowering regions across the UK by giving them a stronger influence over the future of transport in their area. This will help us build the modern and effective links our country needs, improving journey times, boosting housing development and economic growth, and getting people and goods where they need to be faster, safely and more comfortably.”

It’s another step towards unlocking the potential of the ARC corridor to the wider regions and we’re excited to hear more at the Oxford Cambridge Corridor Economic Growth Conference in Milton Keynes – make sure you’re there!