London First newsletter

Government should prioritise investments in transport projects based on their long-term contribution to the wider economy.  This is the key message in our recent report, Greater Returns, launched at our June event with the Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond.

Greater returns: Transport priorities for economic growth

Our current Save our Tube campaign, in conjunction with the Evening Standard, builds on this report and aims to influence the Government’s comprehensive spending review in the autumn. The campaign is reinforced by our 100-signatory letter to Philip Hammond - who has recently submitted to the Treasury his preliminary recommendations for 25-40% cuts to the transport budget nationally - and an Early Day Motion, laid by Mark Field MP.

We have also written to the Treasury, to help shape the comprehensive spending review. London First submission

Deloitte’s research provided the backbone of our report, Greater Returns. In our latest Partner Perspective column, David Cruickshank, Chairman of Deloitte UK, expands on its findings. He discusses the opportunity to reconsider how the Government appraises the economic benefits of Britain’s transport projects.

The Government will consult with business on its proposal to cap immigration from outside the EU, as a direct result of our lobbying.  London First has insisted that a strict numeric cap would threaten one of London’s key strengths – its ability to attract the talent it needs from around the globe in order to maintain its competitiveness.  We will be responding to the consultation and are planning an event for members to discuss the issues directly with the UK Border Agency and Migration Advisory Committee. To contribute to our response or for more information, please contact Mark Hilton.

To help tackle the congestion caused by road works, a new system of financial incentives, which properly reflects the impact of works on road users, is recommended by London First.  Whilst road works are essential – to maintain and improve the roads themselves and to keep the vital utilities infrastructure beneath them fit for purpose – they can cause significant traffic disruption. Responding to members’ concerns, we brought together highways authorities, utility companies and road users, to suggest ways to better balance the competing demands placed upon London’s roads.  Lane rental charging on strategic roads at busy times - one of our key recommendations – already has in-principle support from the Mayor. For more information, contact Cynthia Grant

Road Sense - Balancing the costs and benefits of road works 

The Mayor launches the Barclays cycle hire scheme on Friday (30 July) and is inviting businesses to sign up for daily, weekly or annual membership.  This will entitle you and your employees get into the saddle from Friday, four weeks ahead of casual users.  Members will receive an electronic key which needs to be activated before being able to hire bicycles from hundreds of locations across central London.  Registration and map of docking stations