The mechanism through which London sub-regional partnerships are funded has changed significantly for 2010/11 and future years.  Local Implementation Plan funding support for partnerships continues as before, but funding for schemes and initiatives is now provided directly to boroughs.  These changes have been introduced to allow more autonomy and freedom for Boroughs to design and implement integrated transport improvements in their respective areas.  However, the WestTrans boroughs recognise the need for a sub-regional approach to transport issues and have committed funding for West London FQP and WestTrans Travel Planning initiatives for 2010/11. The WestTrans Partnership is  progressing sub-regional initiatives in four main areas in 2010/11:

Freight

Under the auspices of the West London Freight Quality Partnership, WestTrans will continue to assist in the delivery of freight improvement schemes across the West London sub-region.  Full details of 2010/11 freight initiatives will be published soon and can also be found on the WLFQP’s website.

Travel Planning

The Partnership has secured funding from TfL for the employment of a total of four Travel Plan Co-ordinators.  Supported by funding from the WestTrans boroughs, they will continue to develop and implement initiatives for the promotion of sustainable travel across West London, including encouraging employers and businesses to adopt voluntary Travel Plans in order to promote healthier, more sustainable journeys to work. Further details on these initiatives can be found on the WestTrans Travel Plan website.

Station Access

2009/10 saw the successful delivery of two Station Access schemes in West London, at Hanwell and Castle Bar Park, and the partnership’s programme for station access improvements continues into 2010/11.  A total of four ‘Step 2’ Station Access schemes are currently under development, with two of these expected to be implemented within the year. The schemes are:

• Northwick Park Station
• Eastcote Station
• Rayners Lane Station
• Ravenscourt Park Station

At least one other scheme is likely to be ready for implementation in 2010/11, subject to availability of funding.

Transport Strategy Development

WestTrans, with WLSTG, is now assisting TfL with the development of the West London Sub-regional Transport Plan and a new transport model to represent the multi-modal network of transport facilities in West London and the demands placed upon it. It will provide a means of assessing the effectiveness and value for money of policies and schemes to improve transport in West London and will help to create a long-term programme for transport infrastructure improvements. WestTrans continues to work with TfL and other organisations to address more pressing needs, including the agenda set out in the Ten Point Plan.