A new report on congestion in the West Midlands should be used to stimulate a crucial debate about the future of the city region, according to a senior transport politician.

Cllr Gary Clarke, chairman of the regional transport body Centro-PTA, will join with council leaders at the launch of study report on Friday (22 September).

The comprehensive document, called ‘Gridlock or Growth – Choices and Challenges for the Future’ contains stark new evidence about rising traffic and the threat it poses to the city region’s ambitions for growth.

“This latest report, which is the most comprehensive yet, reminds us that getting our transport network right is absolutely crucial to the future of this city region.  It seems clear that as congestion increases in the West Midlands the answer can only lie in a package of measures – and that will require massive investment in public transport,” comments Cllr Clarke.

The report by independent consultants looks at a range of options for the West Midlands and the ways of securing around an initial £2bn of transport investment for the region.  It includes options for some form of road pricing in one of the suggested scenarios.

“If there are some tough choices ahead, then we will need some brave decision-making,” adds Cllr Clarke.  “It is essential that this is preceded by a full and informed debate so that, collectively, we can make the right decision for the future of this city region.”

Centro-PTA and the seven city and borough councils of the West Midlands metropolitan area jointly commissioned the report.

Among the package of solutions discussed it highlights that public transport investment is, and will continue to be critical.  Measures will be needed to ensure there is enough capacity at rail stations and on trains to handle the growth in passenger numbers; there needs to be an expanded Midland Metro network, and the report points to moves required to drive up all aspects of bus quality and reliability.

“The report provides further information so that we can discuss the best ways to tackle congestion and also raise the money we know we need for transport investment.  It’s a discussion I look forward to having over the coming months because we can only continue to tackle congestion in partnership, with private and public sectors, and indeed with national government,” says Cllr Clarke.