Government Offices outside London deliver the Government’s ‘Ten Year Transport Plan’ in the regions. Published in 2000, the plan, which was updated by ‘The Future of Transport’ in 2004, laid the foundations for massive change, with investment of £180bn.
We are responsible for approving and finalising Regional Transport Strategies. Each region’s strategy should provide a distinct regional vision for transport that is consistent with national policies and realistic in identifying investment priorities and timescales.
We work closely with local authorities to determine funding for local transport measures, and to monitor local progress in the delivery of Local Transport Plans (LTPs). LTPs shape the way we will travel over the next decade and beyond, setting out a long term vision for the local transport system together with the measures needed over the next five years to deliver this vision. The measures improve access to services and facilities by public transport, cycling and walking. They also promote more travel choice - through school and employment travel plans, better travel information and car sharing - as well as improving road safety and reducing congestion by providing road improvements at hotspots. Government funding to local transport authorities outside London for LTPs was around £1.9bn for 2004-05.
Arrangements in London are slightly different. Since the introduction of an elected Mayor, much of the transport function has been passed to the Mayor and the Greater London Authority, who – along with Transport for London - produce London's regional transport strategy and allocate funds to London Boroughs for their local plans. The Government Office for London is responsible for funding the Mayor and Transport for London, and a number of other statutory functions.
Government Offices work with local and regional organisations to promote an efficient and integrated transport system. We work with regional partners such as Regional Assemblies and Regional Development Agencies to ensure compatibility between economic, social and environmental strategies.
Other areas of our work include freight issues, airports, buses, rail services and processing statutory orders such as Traffic Regulation Orders.
