Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has named the West Midlands as one of seven pilot areas for the Government's new Transport Innovation Fund.

This new fund is providing up to £18m over the next three years to local authorities prepared to investigate bold schemes – including road pricing – to tackle congestion.

“West Midlands leaders have clearly stated that we want to be at the forefront of the debate to find innovative ways to tackle the growing problem of congestion,” says Cllr Gary Clarke, chairman of the Passenger Transport Authority.  “If there are major new sources of funding on the horizon, let's look at the opportunity to position our region to be among the first to benefit.”

“This first stage would be about investigating options before any decisions are made – but it is clear there is already broad agreement that any solution will need to include ways that, with Government support, we can bring about significant improvements in public transport,” he says.

Following today's announcement that its bid has been successful, the West Midlands will carry out an in-depth feasibility study to fully investigate levels of traffic congestion and examine a range of solutions, including necessary public transport improvements.   The study will take place between autumn this year and next summer.

Link to DfT news release:   Tackling congestion: next steps