Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Andy Street CBE, the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, welcomed a new knowledge-sharing agreement between London and the West Midlands on Tuesday by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. From dealing with major incidents to limiting the disruption of large-scale transport projects and reducing congestion, the agreement will enable West Midlands and London to learn from each other to improve not only their individual regions, but also the rest of the UK.
The MoU, which was signed by Transport for London (TfL) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), is the first time two devolved local authorities have made a commitment to share best practice and work towards common goals.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said, “London and Birmingham face many of the same challenges so I am delighted that the signing of this agreement further strengthens our commitment to work together. Among other things, sharing information will help us better deal with major incidents, manage world-class sporting events and reduce congestion, improving our cities for everyone.”
Andy Street CBE, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said, “In the next few years, the West Midlands will be playing host to huge events requiring us to be at the top of our game in terms of managing transport, particularly on our public transport networks.
“Transport for London has a wealth of experience in accommodating extra travellers and we’re keen to tap into this knowledge ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Coventry City of Culture.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is an important first step in making sure all future events are remembered for the show the West Midlands puts on, not for any challenges the transport networks might face.”
Last month, all eight regional and city-wide Mayors – four Conservative and four Labour – met in Liverpool and called on the government for greater devolution of powers and funding over skills. At the meeting, they signed a joint statement calling for further reforms to the skills system, including more control over Apprenticeship Levy funds to boost skills in their areas.
Following Tuesday's meeting, a delegation from Transport for London will be visiting Birmingham later in the summer to discuss how both organisations can work with the freight industry and its customers in the business community to help minimise the impact of major events and construction work.
