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ITEM EX5 -ANNEX E

Multi Modal Studies – Update

Thames Valley MMS

The Findings of the Thames Valley Multi Modal study were published in January this year. Although the study area includes a part of Oxfordshire, only Berkshire local authorities were included on the study Steering Group. SEERA have asked for comments on the study recommendations and an officer response was sent with the agreement of the Executive Member for Transport.

ORBIT (M25 MMS)

The ORBIT study has recently completed its strategy and is currently being assessed by both SEERA and OCC Officers. The largest issue which may affect the county, is that the study contains the proposal to implement an area-wide charging scheme centred on the M25. The line where such an area may end will undoubtedly impact on the county, and in particular the A34 (leaving this road effectively serving as the strategic traffic western bypass to the charging area).

On 12 February at SEERA’s Regional Planning Committee, Members agreed the recommendation that the Government should commission a study on area wide charging as a matter of urgency, though at a national level and not solely the ORBIT study area. Consequently the Assembly will be reserving its position on area wide charging until the results of a full and comprehensive study examining all issues is completed. The agreed recommendations will be considered at the full Assembly Plenary on 5 March and formally signed off, subject to any further amendments. Once the Assembly has written to the Secretary of State with its formal advice it is then for Ministers to decide if, how and when this study will come forward. It is anticipated Ministers will make announcements on a number of MMSs prior to the summer recess. It should be noted that the Transport Select Committee of the House of Commons is currently undertaking a study into the MMS process.

North of Southampton MMS (A34 Corridor)

Officers have been involved with talks with GOSE and SEERA on the development of the study. There are a number of areas which are still outstanding including the issue of the area which the study should cover, especially on the issue of how far north the area should extend. GOSE has raised some concerns about the potential costs and outcomes of the study as it is currently proposed and they are in the process of discussing ways forward with the Department for Transport and SEERA.

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