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The Thames Valley is one of Europe’s

best-connected region

A connected Thames Valley supports and drives the UK economy, helping to enable UK plc to realise and unlock its full potential.  It contributes to our region’s ambitions to build a better, more sustainable future, and meet our net-zero targets.

London Heathrow is the UK’s only hub airport and largest port by volume and value.  Passengers can fly to 214 destinations across 84 countries.

Reading and Oxford in Top 10 of Small European Cities of the Future 2024 report with Slough taking top spot for connectivity. 

Fast and frequent direct rail access to London and Heathrow Airport, with the Elizabeth Line providing direct connectivity.

Four strategic routes in the region (the M4, M40, M3 and M25) connect the Thames Valley to the rest of England and Wales.

The region has direct road links to the UK’s main seaports at Southampton, Dover and Felixstowe.

Outlined further in our Business Manifesto, our infrastructure priorities are focused on:

  • Delivering greater connectivity, predictable journey times and sustainable, accessible, integrated, multi-modal travel systems.
  • The timely delivery and funding the region’s key rail projects, including Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH) and East-West Rail.
  • Maintaining our partnership with Heathrow to ensure it delivers key economic growth and sustainability targets.
  • Improved, sustainable, energy supply and appropriate investment in networks that support electric transition.
  • Improve the safety, sustainability, and quality of our regional infrastructure network.
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