20.07.18
TfL and TfWM join forces in knowledge sharing deal
A landmark collaboration between two of the UK’s biggest regions has been signed to pave the way to improve rail transport between the areas.
In an unprecedented deal between TfL and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), London and Birmingham will discuss lessons learned from major incidents and ways of limiting disruption to large-scale transport projects and to learn from each other to improve not only their individual regions but also the rest of the UK.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties is the first time two devolved transport bodies have made a commitment to share best practice and work towards common goals.
At London’s Traffic Control Centre earlier this week, mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Street met staff who monitor the capital’s transport networks 24 hours a day, and saw how the control centre is used to coordinate major sporting events such as the London Marathon and RideLondon.
Khan, mayor of London, said: “London and Birmingham face many of the same challenges so I am delighted that the signing of this agreement further strengthens our commitment to work together.
“Among other things, sharing information will help us better deal with major incidents, manage world-class sporting events and reduce congestion, improving our cities for everyone.”
The agreement highlights a range of areas in which both organisations believe they could benefit from working together, including the sharing of information on how to address potential impacts around the delivery of major transport projects.
The authorities will be working with local businesses and freight organisations to help consolidate and retime freight deliveries to reduce congestion and improve air quality— particularly around construction projects— and conduct analysis of road and public transport flows between West Midlands and London to improve connectivity and allow for better traffic and congestion modelling between the cities.
Street said TfL has “a wealth of experience” in accommodating extra travellers, and TfWM is keen to tap into this knowledge ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and Coventry’s City of Culture in 2021.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is an important first step in making sure all future events are remembered for the show the West Midlands puts on, not for any challenges the transport networks might face,” he added.
A delegation from TfL will be visiting Birmingham later in the summer to discuss how both organisations can work with the freight industry and its customers in the business community to help minimise the impact of major events and construction work.
Last month, all eight regional and city-wide mayors – four Conservative and four Labour – met in Liverpool and called on the government for greater devolution of powers and funding over skills.
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Image credit: TfWM