A NEW report has added weight to hopes that a tram network could link Kent and Thurrock, expanding to wider south Essex.

The scheme has been promoted over recent years by KenEx Tram (officially known as the Thames Gateway Tramlink) and the new report published by transport expert Rowlando Morgan has been prepared for the region's MPs and the new Labour government.

Mr Morgan was until recently "Head of Environment, Infrastructure and Local Growth" for the Centre for Economics and Business Research and previously held a senior role at the Department for Transport.

Mr Morgan says: "The Labour manifesto emphasises the role that improvements to transport infrastructure can have on the British economy.

"There is an opportunity for KenEx to be a part of Labour's forthcoming ten-year infrastructure strategy, which is to be aligned with the Labour industrial strategy and regional development priorities.

"Whilst the Labour party supports the transition to electric vehicles, Trams provide a similar move to electrified transport that supports the more general move to Net Zero.

"KenEx contributes to two key themes in the Manifesto:

 1) Kickstarting economic growth

2) Breaking down barriers to opportunity

 "The Labour party also plans to give mayors the power to create unified and integrated transport systems, allowing for more seamless journeys, and to promote active travel networks. KenEx could form a key element of an integrated transport plan for the Thames Estuary region. 

"There is also a need to focus on less expensive infrastructure that can be developed at pace. For instance, Labour plans overhaul the planning system to help it "forge ahead with new roads, railways, reservoirs and other nationally significant infrastructure".

"There is a hope of lower cost future projects; with this being achievable by slashing red tape. KenEx provides an opportunity to demonstrate this by delivering transport infrastructure that meets local needs, whilst being consistent with fiscal responsibility." 

View the full report: https://thurrock.nub.news/uploads/Full_Circle_Economics_report_on_KenEx_FINAL.pdf

Also see: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/how-trams-could-make-huge-improvements-to-public-transport-in-thurrock-189512