On 9th September 2011, the three local authorities backing the South Essex Rapid Transit (sert) Scheme submitted a bid to Government to secure funding for the project. Over 80% of the £32 million cost of will be provided by the Government, with the rest coming from the local councils and contributions from developers.
The bid, together with the supporting evidence provided to the Government, can be downloaded at the sert website (www.sert.org.uk).
The Government will announce whether or not funding will be given in December 2011. In the meantime, the Department of Transport is inviting external parties to comment on the bid. The comment period will run from 9th September to October 14th and will be open to anyone who wishes to submit a relevant comment on the proposals.
A dedicated email address has been established for comments at [email protected].
The bid was prepared for the local authority partners backing sert by consultants Mouchel and Steer Davies Gleave.
Notes for Journalists:
Electronic images of the sert vehicle, and maps showing the sert routes for which funding is being sought, are available from Steer Davies Gleave (see contact below). More information is also available at www.sert.org.uk.
Development of sert is led by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Thurrock Council on behalf of the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership. Founded in 2002, the Partnership aims to deliver a better quality of life for all those who live and work in the area and is committed to helping deliver a significant number of new jobs and homes. The Partnership is led by cabinet members of the six local authorities representing South Essex, the East of England Development Agency and an independent chairman. sert will be developed and delivered in partnership with these organisations, using a mix of public and private sector funding.
Mouchel and Steer Davies Gleave jointly have provided support to the sert promoters in developing the business case for the scheme since 2005.
For more information
Contact Holly Cheung on +44 (0)20 7910 5485 or email [email protected]
About Mouchel
Mouchel is a consulting and business services group that provides many of the design, managerial and engineering services that support modern society. The company works with government agencies, local authorities, government-regulated industries and the private-sector to provide safe, reliable roads and railways, well-managed education and civic infrastructure, clean water, and cost-effective energy. Visit www.mouchel.com for more information.
About Steer Davies Gleave
Steer Davies Gleave is a leading independent transport consultancy with 400 consultants, providing global services to government, operators, regulators, developers, financiers and other interest groups. Founded in 1978, with headquarters in London and 16 offices around the world, the company has undertaken over 9,000 projects. Visit www.steerdaviesgleave.com for more information.