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Traffic scheme could attract El bn support
Page 6
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A BUSINESS leader is appealing to transport planners in the West Midlands to start thinking more innovatively to tackle congestion —including closing motorway junctions during the rush hour.
Jerry Blackett, chairman of the West Midlands Business Transport Group (WMBTG) says this might benefit hauliers by keeping local car traffic of the regional motorway network.
His call comes as the region prepares to submit a revised Local Transport Plan (LTP) to the government. "The government is saying 'the money is there if we think you are serious in terms of having an innovative and balanced approach to solving congestion', says Blackett. "They have an image of us in London that we are totally car obsessed."
According to regional transport planners, congestion is costing the region £2.5bn a year. WMBTG representatives were consulted on the revised LTP last week, which is due to be submitted to the government in July If approved, the region has been promised up to £1 bn in transport investment.